SEMH Learning Support Assistant

AMA Admin; South Shields; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting for an SEMH Learning Support Assistant to work with pupils across South Tyneside. You will support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, helping them re-engage with lessons and develop confidence in their learning.

Ideal candidates have recent SEMH or behaviour support experience in schools and are skilled in de-escalation and emotional regulation.

Qualifications

• Recent, hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour.
• Experience within mainstream schools, specialist SEMH provision, PRU or similar settings.
• Confident understanding of positive behaviour management, emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies.
• Experience supporting pupils through transitions and reintegration.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Support pupils in mainstream schools, specialist provisions, PRUs and other settings.
• Help pupils re-engage with education and develop positive attitudes toward learning.
• Assist with transitions and reintegration back into mainstream education where appropriate.
• Deliver and adapt learning activities to meet individual needs and keep pupils focused.

Skills

SEMH support experience

Positive behaviour management

Emotional regulation

De-escalation strategies

Job description

SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Primary & Secondary Schools | South Tyneside | October 2026 Start

Are you an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next rewarding opportunity?

Milk Education is working with specialist provisions and PRUs across South Tyneside, offering long-term opportunities from October 2026.

We're looking for resilient, experienced support staff to help pupils with SEMH needs re-engage with learning, manage challenging behaviour and develop the confidence to transition back into mainstream education where appropriate. If you're passionate about building positive relationships and helping young people overcome barriers to education, we'd love to hear from you!

What will you be doing as a SEMH Learning Support Assistant?

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Supporting children and young people within mainstream schools, specialist provisions, Pupil Referral Units and alternative education settings.
• Helping pupils re-engage with education, access their lessons and develop positive attitudes towards learning.
• Supporting successful transitions and reintegration into mainstream education where appropriate.
• Delivering and adapting learning activities to meet individual needs, helping pupils remain focused and work towards their educational goals.
• Supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety or difficulties engaging with learning.
• Recognising individual triggers and using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to prevent escalation.
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation, social skills, resilience and confidence.
• Building positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear and consistent professional boundaries.
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, SENCOs and wider professionals to provide consistent support.
• Creating a calm, structured and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to learn.

What we're looking for in a SEMH Learning Support Assistant:

• Recent, hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour.
• Experience within a mainstream primary or secondary school, specialist SEMH provision, Pupil Referral Unit, alternative provision, residential care or a similar setting.
• A confident understanding of positive behaviour management, emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies.
• Experience supporting pupils who may struggle to engage with education or require additional support with transitions and reintegration.
• The patience, resilience and emotional maturity needed to respond calmly in challenging situations.
• Someone who can build meaningful relationships while maintaining clear, consistent professional boundaries.
• The ability to adapt to changing situations and remain calm under pressure.
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable pupils overcome barriers to education and achieve their potential.

Relevant experience is key. If you've worked as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, PRU Support Worker, Youth Worker, Residential Support Worker or in a similar role supporting children and young people with additional needs, your experience could be a great fit.

Why work with Milk Education as an SEMH Learning Support Assistant?

We know experienced SEMH support staff bring so much to a school, and we want you to feel supported in return.

• Long-term