Pastoral Assistant

Milk Education; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking a Pastoral Assistant for a specialist SEMH school in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The role focuses on supporting pupils with SEMH needs, building trusting relationships, and assisting teachers with engaging activities.

Start date is September 2026, with a full-time contract term-time schedule. The ideal candidate will be calm, patient, and resilient, with strong communication skills and a commitment to vulnerable learners.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH/SEND or challenging behaviour (desirable).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in/classroom and through targeted interventions.
• Build positive relationships to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.
• Support pupils in managing behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Create a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Encourage development of social, emotional, and communication skills.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, families, and external agencies to support pupil outcomes.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Supervise pupils during breaktimes and other school activities.

Skills

SEMH experience

Communication skills

Education

GCSE English & Maths (C/4+)

Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable)

Job description

Pastoral Assistant
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Salary: £450 – £550 per week, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026

Join Our Team

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and motivated Pastoral Assistant to join our dedicated team at a specialist SEMH school in Newcastle Upon Tyne. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs both in the classroom and through targeted interventions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.
• Support pupils in managing their behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Encourage the development of social, emotional, and communication skills.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and external agencies to support individual pupil outcomes.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour, and wellbeing.
• Supervise pupils during breaktimes, educational visits, and other school activities where required.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour (desirable but not essential).
• Is calm, patient, and emotionally resilient.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build positive relationships based on trust, consistency, and respect.
• Is flexible, proactive, and committed to supporting vulnerable learners.
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above).
• A Teaching Assistant qualification or relevant childcare qualification is desirable but not essential.

We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• A rewarding role where every day brings the chance to positively impact young people’s lives.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• A positive and inclusive working environment.

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.