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Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) describe children and young people with severe learning disabilities combined with significant physical or sensory needs.
They require a high level of support with learning, communication, and daily activities.
With consistent care, therapy and specialist education, pupils with PMLD can enjoy meaningful experiences and develop communication and independence skills.
Individuals with PMLD may:
Check signs of PMLD
Learn how profound and multiple needs affect learning and interaction.
Children with PMLD may also have:
Care is often coordinated between families, therapists, medical staff and education providers.
Learn about sensory and physical needs in PMLD
Understand how multi-sensory learning can support engagement.
Assessment is multidisciplinary and usually includes:
Support plans focus on comfort, engagement and quality of life, not academic attainment.
Children with PMLD will always require an EHCP and access to specialist education settings.
Education for pupils with PMLD focuses on:
Learning is delivered through individualised programmes rather than national curriculum outcomes.
Effective support may include:
