SEMH Support Assistant

Milk Education; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Fast-track compliance

Culture-matched placements

Trusted school network

CPD courses (Milk Academy)

Free PSHE resources

Educator wellbeing resources

School prep pack

24/7 consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education are recruiting for a SEMH Support Assistant to work with children and young people aged 4-16 in a nurturing school environment in Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne. The role focuses on emotional regulation, engagement and personalised learning support within a supportive staff team.

Start date November 2026. Competitive pay, APSCo compliance standards, and a pathway from temp to permanent with opportunities for CPD through the Milk Academy.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in a school, alternative provision, nursery, care or youth work is desirable but not essential.
• Experience as a Support Worker, Care Assistant or similar role with SEMH/SEN exposure is helpful.
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills.
• Genuine passion for supporting children and young people to overcome barriers to learning.
• Calm, patient, resilient and empathetic approach with consistency in challenging situations.
• Understanding that children may communicate needs in different ways requiring individualised support.
• Ability to work proactively, independently and as part of a team.
• Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply).

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged 4-16 with SEMH needs and related SEN.
• Build positive, trusting relationships to encourage engagement, confidence, emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Help pupils recognise and regulate emotions using positive behaviour strategies.
• Work with teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources.
• Support pupils who may experience anxiety or trauma, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
• Promote a calm, inclusive learning environment where every child feels respected and valued.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Empathy

Numeracy skills

Literacy skills

Independent working

DBS check (update service)

Job description

SEMH Support Assistant

Location: Walbottle, Newcastle upon Tyne

Working hours: 8.00am-3.30pm Monday to Friday

Start date: November 2026

Milk Education are recruiting for a SEMH Support Assistant to work with children and young people aged 4-16, supporting them on their journey through education in a nurturing and inclusive school environment.

The school caters for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, some of whom may also have additional special educational needs (SEN). This role requires a high level of patience, resilience and empathy, alongside an understanding that pupils may communicate their needs through dysregulated behaviours or trauma responses. You will be supporting children at different stages of their development, from early years and primary age through to secondary age, helping them feel safe, understood and ready to learn. The school offers a supportive working environment where you will work closely with teachers and the wider staff team to meet each child's individual needs.

Your role as a SEMH Support Assistant is to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, support their emotional regulation and gently encourage them to engage with learning through approaches that recognise their individual strengths, challenges and needs.

SEMH Support Assistant Key Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged 4-16 with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs, some of whom may also have additional SEN

• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence, emotional wellbeing and resilience

• Support pupils to recognise and regulate their emotions, using positive behaviour strategies and a calm, consistent approach

• Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual learning, developmental and sensory needs

• Support pupils who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation or trauma responses, helping them feel safe and supported within the school environment

• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every child feels respected, understood and encouraged to achieve their potential

SEMH Support Assistant Person Specification:

• Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision, nursery, care or youth work setting is desirable but not essential

• Experienced Support Workers, Care Assistants and those with experience supporting children or young people with SEMH or SEN needs would also be well suited to this role

• Solid numeracy and literacy skills

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning

• A calm, patient, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive and consistent in challenging situations

• An understanding that children communicate their needs in different ways and may require individualised support

• Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a wider team

• An Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply)

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

• 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 the 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

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.

(Ref. NEWC4)