Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant

AMA Admin; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant for a Specialist Primary School in Darlington, starting September 2026. This role offers valuable experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs in a calm, supportive environment.

You will provide one-to-one and small-group support, foster positive relationships, assist with emotional regulation, and work with teachers to implement individual plans and school policies, helping pupils access learning.

Qualifications

• A minimum 2:2 degree obtained within the last three years.
• Interest in supporting children and young people with SEMH needs.
• Experience with tutoring, mentoring or youth work is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Willingness to learn and develop in a specialist setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to SEMH pupils.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Encourage engagement with learning and overcome barriers.
• Follow individual support plans and school policies.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and families.
• Observe and record pupil behaviour and progress.
• Promote inclusion and a calm learning environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Calm demeanor

Empathy

Education

2:2 degree

Job description

Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant

About Us:

At Milk Education, we are passionate about helping graduates take their first steps towards rewarding careers working with children and young people. We provide more than just school placements, offering dedicated support, professional development, and opportunities to gain meaningful experience within specialist educational settings.

We are currently recruiting motivated Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistants to join a Specialist Primary School in Darlington on a long-term basis starting from September 2026.

This role is an excellent opportunity for graduates considering future careers in teaching, educational psychology, counselling, mental health, social work, youth work, or other child-focused professions.

The school provides a supportive and structured environment for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As a Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation and individualised support while making a positive difference to pupils' day-to-day experiences.

Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and helping them feel safe, valued and supported.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and developing positive coping strategies.
• Encouraging engagement with learning and helping pupils overcome barriers to education.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging or dysregulated behaviour using calm and consistent approaches.
• Following individual support plans, behaviour strategies and school policies.
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver appropriately adapted learning and support activities.
• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, independence, communication and social skills.
• Helping to maintain a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment.
• Supporting pupils with additional needs such as Autism (ASD), ADHD, learning difficulties and communication needs where appropriate.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, families, carers and external professionals.
• Observing and recording pupil behaviour and progress where appropriate.
• Promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing and a strong sense of inclusion throughout the school day.

Graduate SEMH Learning Support Assistant requirements or skills:

• A minimum 2:2 degree obtained within the last three yearsor in final year of University on track to obtain 2:2 or above.
• A genuine interest in supporting children and young people with SEMH needs and an ambition to develop a career working with young people.
• Previous experience working with children or young people through tutoring, mentoring, coaching, youth work, care, volunteering, schools or community settings is desirable but not essential.
• An understanding of or interest in areas such as mental health, behaviour, child development, SEND or emotional wellbeing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
• A calm, patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• The confidence to remain consistent and professional when supporting pupils who may experience emotional or behavioural difficulties.A willingness to learn, take guidance and develop your skills within a specialist setting.
• The ability