Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Personal Care Assistant

Location

Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:40pm

Contract

Full-time, long-term

Setting

Secondary SEN School

About The Role

We are recruiting for a Personal Care Assistant to work within a specialist secondary SEN school in Ashton-under-Lyne, supporting young people aged 11-19 with a range of additional learning, physical and personal care needs.

The role involves working closely with pupils who have autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), physical disabilities and complex communication needs.

Some pupils require significant support with their day-to-day routines, including toileting, changing, mobility and personal hygiene. You will also play an important role in helping pupils access classroom activities, develop independence and feel comfortable and supported throughout the school day.

We are looking for someone who is patient, reliable and confident providing personal care, with a genuine interest in supporting young people with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

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Providing personal care, including toileting, changing and maintaining personal hygiene

Providing personal care, including toileting, changing and maintaining personal hygiene

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Supporting pupils with physical disabilities and mobility difficulties

Supporting pupils with physical disabilities and mobility difficulties

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Assisting with hoisting and moving and handling where required, following appropriate training

Assisting with hoisting and moving and handling where required, following appropriate training

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Working with pupils who have PMLD, SLD, autism and additional complex needs

Working with pupils who have PMLD, SLD, autism and additional complex needs

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Supporting pupils who are non-verbal or have limited communication

Supporting pupils who are non-verbal or have limited communication

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Helping pupils engage in classroom activities and sensory-based learning

Helping pupils engage in classroom activities and sensory-based learning

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Assisting with feeding and mealtime routines where required, following individual care plans and training

Assisting with feeding and mealtime routines where required, following individual care plans and training

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Encouraging independence and developing pupils' everyday life skills

Encouraging independence and developing pupils' everyday life skills

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Supporting emotional regulation and maintaining consistent daily routines

Supporting emotional regulation and maintaining consistent daily routines

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Working alongside teachers, SEN Teaching Assistants and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs

Working alongside teachers, SEN Teaching Assistants and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have

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Previous experience providing personal care within a school, healthcare or care setting

Previous experience providing personal care within a school, healthcare or care setting

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Experience supporting children or young adults with additional needs

Experience supporting children or young adults with additional needs

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Confidence assisting with toileting, changing and personal hygiene

Confidence assisting with toileting, changing and personal hygiene

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An understanding of autism, PMLD, SLD or physical disabilities

An understanding of autism, PMLD, SLD or physical disabilities

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Experience with hoisting or moving and handling would be advantageous

Experience with hoisting or moving and handling would be advantageous

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A calm, caring and resilient approach

A calm, caring and resilient approach

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Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships

Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships

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A proactive attitude and willingness to support pupils throughout the school day

A proactive attitude and willingness to support pupils throughout the school day

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Reliability and a commitment to maintaining consistency for pupils

Reliability and a commitment to maintaining consistency for pupils

Experience in a care environment is welcomed, particularly from candidates looking to move into a school-based role.

Requirements

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Relevant personal care, SEN or support worker experience

Relevant personal care, SEN or support worker experience

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An appropriate Enhanced DBS check, with Child and Adult Workforce eligibility assessed against the duties of the role

An appropriate Enhanced DBS check, with Child and Adult Workforce eligibility assessed against the duties of the role

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Availability Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:40pm

Availability Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:40pm

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Willingness to complete additional training where required

Willingness to complete additional training where required

What We Offer

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Full-time work, Monday-Friday

Full-time work, Monday-Friday

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Consistent working hours of 8

30am-3:40pm

Consistent working hours of 8

30am-3:40pm

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Long-term opportunity within a specialist SEN school

Long-term opportunity within a specialist SEN school

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Experience supporting young people with a range of complex needs

Experience supporting young people with a range of complex needs

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Support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant

Support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant

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Opportunities to develop your experience within specialist education

Opportunities to develop your experience within specialist education

Apply Today

If you have experience working as a Personal Care Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker or SEN Teaching Assistant and are looking for a school-based role in Ashton-under-Lyne, we'd be keen to hear from you.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (child and adult workforce), satisfactory references, and full compliance with KCSIE (2026) guidance and safer recruitment standards. Overseas police checks may be required where applicable.

Educato Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Educato Limited acts as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.