SEMH Support Assistant

Milk Education; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible hours

Milk Academy CPD access

Dedicated consultant support

Long-term opportunities

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking SEMH Support Assistants to work across a range of primary schools. You will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and foster positive relationships in inclusive classrooms.

Ideal candidates will have experience with SEMH or additional needs, demonstrate patience and resilience, and hold or be willing to apply for Enhanced DBS. Flexible working opportunities and ongoing support are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or additional needs.
• Patient, resilient and able to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Willing to apply for Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive relationships with children requiring extra support.
• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Help pupils develop social skills, resilience and self-confidence.
• Support engagement in learning and classroom activities.
• Work closely with teachers, SENDCOs, pastoral teams and parents.
• Encourage a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Skills

Behaviour management

Relationship building

Communication

Teamwork

Empathy

Job description

SEMH Support Assistant

Location: Primary Schools
Salary: Competitive rates of pay
Contract: Full-time and Part-time opportunities available
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

Milk Education are recruiting SEMH Support Assistants to work across a range of supportive and inclusive Primary Schools. This rewarding role involves helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships and build the confidence needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

About the Role

As an SEMH Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children who require additional support.
• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Help pupils develop social skills, resilience and self-confidence.
• Support engagement in learning and classroom activities.
• Work closely with teachers, SENDCOs, pastoral teams and parents.
• Encourage a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

About You

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs.
• Are patient, resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Have strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Are passionate about helping children overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Are proactive, empathetic and adaptable.
• Hold, or are willing to apply for, an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Access to FREE and discounted CPD through Milk Academy.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

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.