ACTIVITY-BASED LEARNING ASSISTANT

AMA Admin; North East; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking an Activity-Based Learning Assistant for a specialist SEND school in Durham. The role starts September 2026, is full-time and long-term, and involves supporting pupils through sport, games, sensory activities, outdoor learning and practical experiences to build confidence, communication and independence.

You don’t necessarily need prior TA experience; suitable backgrounds include sports coaching, youth work, education, psychology, childcare or mentoring.

Qualifications

• No prior TA experience required.
• Background could include: sports coaching, football or other team sports, fitness or outdoor activities, youth work, support work or care, education/psychology/childhood studies, creative activities, SEN or childcare, mentoring or volunteering.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEND on a 1:1 and small-group basis.
• Using games, movement and practical activities to encourage engagement.
• Supporting communication, social skills and emotional regulation.
• Helping pupils develop independence and confidence.
• Supporting sensory and play-based learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and participation.
• Adapting activities around individual needs and interests.
• Working alongside teachers and specialist staff.
• Celebrating small steps and recognising progress.

Job description

ACTIVITY-BASED LEARNING ASSISTANT | DURHAM

SEND School | Practical Learning. Positive Relationships. Real Progress.

Durham | DH1 1AA

September 2026 Start

Full-Time | Long-Term

Specialist SEND School

Do you have the energy, patience and creativity to get children engaged in learning?

Milk Education is looking for an Activity-Based Learning Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Durham.

This role is perfect for someone who understands that not every child learns best by sitting at a desk. You could be supporting pupils through sport, games, sensory activities, creative tasks, outdoor learning and practical experiences — helping them develop confidence, communication and independence along the way.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Supporting pupils with SEND on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Using games, movement and practical activities to encourage engagement
• Supporting communication, social skills and emotional regulation
• Helping pupils develop independence and confidence
• Supporting sensory and play-based learning
• Encouraging positive behaviour and participation
• Adapting activities around individual needs and interests
• Working alongside teachers and specialist staff
• Celebrating small steps and recognising progress

WHO WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM

You don't necessarily need previous TA experience.

Your background could include:

• Sports coaching
• Football or other team sports
• Fitness or outdoor activities
• Youth work
• Support work or care
• Education / Psychology / Childhood Studies
• Creative activities
• SEN or childcare
• Mentoring or volunteering

What matters most is that you're patient, reliable, energetic and confident building relationships with children and young people.

WHY MILK EDUCATION?

• Competitive rates of pay
• FREE CPD & Milk Academy training
• FastTrack™ registration
• Access to specialist SEND schools and provisions
• Long-term, short-term and day-to-day opportunities
• FREE teaching resources and lesson plans
• FREE wellbeing resources
• Your own dedicated consultant
• Potential temp-to-perm opportunities

PAY

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

SAFEGUARDING

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.