SEN Teaching Assistant

AMA Admin; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible working opportunities

CPD courses (Milk Academy)

Educator wellbeing resources

Culture-matched placements

Priority partner school network

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEND school in Gateshead, starting in September on a long-term basis with potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

You will join a supportive, nurturing and inclusive school that supports pupils with Autism, ADHD, speech & language needs, SEMH and other learning differences. Ideal for experienced TAs, graduates or those pursuing a long-term career in SEND or related therapies.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in a school, care, youth work or support setting.
• Calm, patient and resilient with excellent communication skills.
• Two recent references required; graduates encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with additional needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication needs to access learning and achieve targets.
• Build positive relationships to encourage confidence, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Work with teachers and therapists to implement personalised learning and behaviour support strategies.
• Adapt learning resources and activities to meet individual needs.
• Support pupils during lessons, social times and transitions.
• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.
• Record pupil progress and provide feedback to staff as required.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Relationship building

Education

Level 2/3 TA qualification

Job description

Milk Education is more than a supply partner - we're a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support.

We're currently recruiting for a SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Gateshead on a long-term basis, starting in September. This role offers the opportunity to progress to a permanent position for the right candidate.

You'll be joining a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive school that is committed to helping every pupil achieve their full potential. The school supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, moderate learning difficulties, SEMH, and communication differences. Staff work collaboratively to provide a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced Teaching Assistants, graduates, or individuals looking to build a long-term career within SEND, Educational Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, or Teaching.

Your Main Responsibilities Will Include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, and communication needs to access learning and achieve individual targets.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, emotional wellbeing, and independence.
• Working alongside teachers and therapists to implement personalised learning and behaviour support strategies.
• Adapting learning resources and activities to meet individual needs.
• Supporting pupils during lessons, social times, and transitions throughout the school day.
• Promoting a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.
• Recording pupil progress and providing feedback to teaching staff where required.

Requirements & Skills:

• Experience working with children or young people within a school, care, youth work, or support setting.
• A genuine passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Calm, patient, and resilient with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues.
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Psychology, Criminology, Health & Social Care, Education, or related graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to provide two recent references.

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.
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability.
• Culture-matched placements - we take the time to understand you and match you with 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 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 han