SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Milk Education; North East; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay scale

APSCo compliant recruitment standards

Flexible placements across specialist

Free CPD and Milk Academy

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking enthusiastic SEMH Learning Support Assistants to work across Killingworth's specialist schools from November 2026, with long-term opportunities. You will support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them access the curriculum, develop resilience and social skills, and work closely with teachers to implement IEPs and behaviour strategies.

The role offers a structured, supportive environment with ongoing CPD, safe recruitment standards, and career development through Milk

Qualifications

• Recent experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs in education, care, youth work, or similar settings.
• Previous experience working with pupils displaying challenging behaviour, attachment needs, ADHD, Autism (ASD), or trauma-related needs is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs and associated barriers to learning.
• Supporting pupils to develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, social skills, and independence.
• Working closely with teachers to adapt learning activities and ensure every pupil can access the curriculum.
• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support strategies, and personalised intervention plans.
• Creating a positive, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes engagement and wellbeing.
• Using restorative and trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour and support pupils through challenging situations.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Job description

SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Killingworth

About Us:

At Milk Education, we do more than place staff in schools – we build long-term partnerships with educators. Alongside competitive opportunities, you’ll have access to ongoing CPD, dedicated support, and career development. We are currently seeking enthusiastic SEMH Learning Support Assistants to work within a number of specialist schools across Killingworth, with long-term opportunities available from November 2026.

Our partner schools provide structured, nurturing environments where pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally. This role is ideal for experienced Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors, Learning Support Assistants, Youth Workers, or individuals from care and pastoral backgrounds looking to make a positive impact.

SEMH Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs and associated barriers to learning.
• Supporting pupils to develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, social skills, and independence.
• Working closely with teachers to adapt learning activities and ensure every pupil can access the curriculum.
• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support strategies, and personalised intervention plans.
• Creating a positive, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes engagement and wellbeing.
• Using restorative and trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour and support pupils through challenging situations.
• Developing strong, professional relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood, and motivated to learn.
• Supporting pupils to recognise emotions, regulate behaviour, and develop effective coping strategies.
• Liaising with teaching staff, pastoral teams, families, and external agencies to provide consistent support.
• Celebrating achievements and encouraging pupils to reach both their educational and personal development goals.

SEMH Learning Support Assistant requirements or Skills:

• Recent experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs in education, care, youth work, or similar settings.
• Previous experience working with pupils displaying challenging behaviour, attachment needs, ADHD, Autism (ASD), or trauma-related needs is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• A calm, empathetic, resilient, and flexible approach to supporting young people.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practice.
• A genuine commitment to helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with opportunities to secure permanent positions.
• Fast and straightforward registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible placements across specialist schools in Killingworth.
• Carefully matched placements based on your experience, strengths, and career aspirations.
• Access to our Priority Partnership schools with exclusive long-term opportunities.
• Free CPD before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour training, plus ongoing development through Milk Academy.
• Free PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources created by experienced teachers.
• Access to wellbeing resources and our educator community hub to support your professional journey.
• School preparation packs with useful information and handover guidance before you start.
• Dedicated support from your personal consultant, available throughout your placement.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting salary will reflect your qualifications, previous experience, and the requirements of the placement.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited and operate in line with DfE guidance and Keeping Children Safe in Education. All successful applicants will be subject to the appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.