Learning Support Assistant (Bank / Stand‑by) – PMLD / Complex Needs (Full/Part Time Cover Role)
Location: Aylesbury (Buckinghamshire area)
About the School & Pupils
This is a highly specialist provision supporting students aged 11 to 19 who present with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and severe and complex learning needs.
The school is a secondary special school with a small cohort (around 100+ students) taught in classes of 6‑10, structured around functional, communication and life skills alongside therapeutic and creative work.
Many pupils have additional diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions, communication challenges, sensory needs, physical and health needs, and require a high level of support from teaching assistants, therapists and specialist staff.
The curriculum is tailored around communication, independence, daily living, emotional resilience and social development.
The Role: Bank / Stand‑by Learning Support Assistant (Cover)
This is a full‑time stand‑by post, providing cover support on a daily basis to meet the school’s needs. You will be called upon when staff absence occurs, to step in and maintain continuity of care and learning for students with high needs.
Key responsibilities include:
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Provide direct one‑to‑one and small group support for pupils with PMLD / severe and complex learning needs
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Assist with personal care, mobility, feeding, toileting, sensory programmes, and health routines as needed
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Support communication strategies (e.g. Makaton, AAC devices, PECS) and sensory approaches under guidance
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Work alongside class teachers, therapists and support staff to implement individual learning plans, behaviour support plans and therapy strategies
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Observe, monitor and feedback on pupil progress, behaviour and well‑being
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Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health & safety and confidentiality
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Be flexible, responsive, and prepared to cover across different classes, groups or year ranges as required
You will need resilience, adaptability, patience, empathy, and good communication skills to thrive in this role.
Why Work via SENDHelp?
By working through SENDHelp, you will benefit from:
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Access to a variety of specialist SEN placements with partner schools
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Competitive pay and transparent rates (no hidden deductions)
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Being supported by a dedicated consultant who understands the SEN sector
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Flexibility of work – you choose when you are available and which assignments to accept
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Ongoing training and professional development tailored to SEN / PMLD practice
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Support and guidance around safeguarding, behaviour strategies, and best practice in SEN
If you’re a passionate, committed support practitioner who wants to make a real difference to young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties, this is a rewarding and impactful role. You’ll play a vital part in ensuring stability, care and learning continuity in a highly specialist environment.
As a specialist SEND recruiter, child safety and welfare is our number one priority. That is why we conduct thorough checks on all our candidates, and ensure that they abide by our Candidate Code of Conduct.
All Candidates will be required to provide an Enhanced DBS that is actively registered on the Update Service, or apply for one as part of the onboarding process. This is in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines. For further information please see our Safer Recruitment Policy.
SENDhelp is an equal opportunities employer.
