Mental Health Classroom Assistant

Milk Education; Guildford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay rates

APSCo Compliance+ accreditation

Flexible days and hours

Culture-matched placements

Priority Partnership school network

5+ CPD courses before placement

Free PSHE lesson plans

Educator wellbeing resources

School Preparation Pack

24/7 consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to join a SEN school in Guildford on a long or short-term basis starting in September. This role is temporary/permanent/temp-to-perm.

You will be joining a supportive team in a trauma-informed setting dedicated to wellbeing and personalised student support, helping learners overcome barriers and achieve progress each day.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in a school, alternative provision, youth work or education setting.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs or challenging behavior is desirable.
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills.
• Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare, education, health and social care or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Calm, empathetic approach with ability to build relationships with young people.

Responsibilities

• Support students on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, addressing social, emotional and learning needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships to encourage engagement, confidence and resilience.
• Help students regulate emotions and use positive behavior strategies throughout the day.
• Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources.
• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel respected and able to succeed.

Skills

SEMH experience

Relationship-building

Patience

Education

Level 2/3 childcare/education or related field

Job description

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support.

We’re currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a SEN schoolin Guildfordon a long or short-term basis starting in September. This role is temporary/permanent/temp-to-perm.

You’ll be joining a specialist setting dedicated to supporting young people who have experienced barriers to mainstream education. The school is committed to wellbeing and positive relationships, providing a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where students are empowered to rebuild confidence, regulate their emotions and achieve success both academically and personally.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a new or experienced educator to become a trusted, consistent adult in the lives of young people who benefit from patience, understanding and encouragement. Every day brings the chance to make a genuine difference by helping students overcome challenges and celebrate progress, no matter how big or small.

You’ll be joining a compassionate, experienced team that places emotional wellbeing, resilience and personalised support at the centre of everything they do. It’s an ideal role for someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships and is passionate about helping young people reach their potential.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, responding to their individual social, emotional and learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience.
• Supporting students to regulate their emotions and use positive behaviour strategies throughout the school day.
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual needs.
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, understood and able to succeed.

Requirements or Skills:

• Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision, youth work or education setting.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or additional learning needs is highly desirable.
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills.
• A Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare, education, health and social care or a related field — or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team and following the guidance of teaching and pastoral staff.
• A calm, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations and build strong professional relationships with young people.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.

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.

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

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