PMLD Teacher, Orpington

PMLD Teacher – Orpington

Location: Orpington
Type: Full-Time
Working Hours: 08:30 am – 16:00 pm
Salary: M1 – UPS3

Are you a compassionate and dedicated teacher with a passion for supporting children and young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)?

We are currently recruiting for an exceptional PMLD Teacher to join a highly supportive and well established specialist SEND school in Orpington. This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a nurturing, multidisciplinary environment where pupils with complex learning, physical, medical, and communication needs are supported to thrive both academically and personally.

The school caters for pupils aged 4–19 with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties, including autism spectrum conditions, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and medical needs. The setting is recognised for its child-centred ethos, specialist facilities, therapeutic provision, and commitment to helping every pupil develop independence, communication, and life skills through highly personalised learning experiences.

The school benefits from:

• Purpose-built sensory and therapeutic learning environments
• Hydrotherapy and sensory integration facilities
• Specialist communication support including AAC
• A strong multidisciplinary team including therapists and healthcare professionals
• Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios
• A holistic curriculum tailored to individual EHCP outcomes
• A strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, sensory regulation, and independence preparation

The Role

As a PMLD Teacher, you will lead a small, well-supported class of pupils with profound and complex needs, delivering creative and highly differentiated lessons focused on communication, sensory engagement, cognition, physical development, and emotional wellbeing.

You will work collaboratively with experienced teaching assistants, therapists, nurses, and families to provide meaningful learning opportunities that celebrate every achievement and support pupils to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Personalised and Sensory-Based Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to individual EHCP targets
• Use sensory storytelling, tactile learning, music, movement, and interactive approaches to engage learners
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet physical, sensory, and communication needs

Holistic Pupil Support

• Promote communication, independence, emotional regulation, and social interaction
• Support pupils with complex medical and physical needs within classroom routines
• Create a calm, structured, and nurturing learning environment

Assistive Communication and SEND Strategies

• Use communication systems including:
  • PECS
  • Makaton
  • AAC devices
  • Intensive Interaction
  • Visual timetables and sensory cues
• Support expressive and receptive communication development

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Medical staff
  • SENCOs and pastoral teams
• Ensure a consistent and holistic approach to pupil development

EHCP and Assessment Responsibilities

• Contribute to EHCP reviews and annual review meetings
• Monitor and record progress using personalised assessment frameworks
• Celebrate and evidence small-step achievements and developmental milestones

Family and Carer Engagement

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers
• Provide regular feedback and updates regarding progress and wellbeing
• Work collaboratively to ensure consistency between school and home support strategies

What We’re Looking For

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A recognised teaching qualification (QTS, QTLS, or equivalent)
• Experience teaching pupils with PMLD, SLD, ASD, or complex SEND needs
• A patient, nurturing, and flexible teaching style
• Strong understanding of sensory-based and communication-centred learning
• Experience supporting pupils with physical disabilities and complex medical needs
• Knowledge of Makaton, PECS, AAC, or Intensive Interaction approaches
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• A genuine passion for inclusive education and supporting vulnerable learners

Experience within specialist schools, resource bases, or therapeutic settings would be highly advantageous.

Why Choose Engage Education?

We are proud to support educators and SEND schools across the UK, offering:

• Pay in line with national teacher pay scales (AWR compliant)
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support and guidance
• £150 Refer a Friend bonus
• Free CPD training through our partnership with Creative Education
• Access to over 200 professional development courses
• Wellbeing support, travel discounts, and retail offers through our partner network

Application Process

If you feel you meet the criteria for this rewarding opportunity, please apply below or contact Engage Education directly for further information.

All applicants must hold a formally recognised teaching qualification.

All candidates will be required to undertake a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work. Full assistance will be provided.

If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, we will retain your CV and continue to support you in your search for SEND teaching opportunities.

By applying for this role, you are consenting to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details in our fully encrypted database, in line with GDPR requirements.