SEN Teaching Assistant

Milk Education; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

APSCo Compliance+ accreditation

Flexible working

CPD courses before placement

Wellbeing resources

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education in Gateshead is seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEND school on a long-term basis starting in September. This role offers potential progression to a permanent position for the right candidate.

You’ll join a supportive, nurturing and inclusive school helping pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, and communication needs to access learning. 1:1 and small group support will be central to your day.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in school, care, youth work or support settings.
• Passion for supporting children with SEND.
• Calm, patient and resilient with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with diverse needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication needs to access learning and achieve targets.
• Build positive relationships to support confidence, wellbeing and independence.
• Work with teachers and therapists to implement personalised learning and behaviour strategies.
• Adapt learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Support pupils during lessons, breaks and transitions.

Skills

1:1 and small group support

Calm and patient communication

Relationship building

Education

Level 2 or Level 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 handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your dedicated consultant, ensuring your journey is personal from registration through to placement.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

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 (KCSIE), 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.