SEN Teaching Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on SEND experience

Professional development

Mentor support

Career progression

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant in Guildford to support pupils with a range of additional needs. You will work with teachers and SEN staff to help access learning, build confidence and independence, while gaining hands-on experience in a specialist SEND environment.

Ideal candidates are graduates seeking a career in education or child-focused professions and are patient, empathetic and resilient.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Experience with children or SEND is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication with pupils and adults.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Able to build strong relationships and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEND.
• Support pupils' academic, social and emotional development.
• Assist teachers in creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Help implement personalised learning and support strategies.
• Encourage positive behaviour, confidence and independence.
• Support learning during lessons, activities and social times.
• Provide feedback on pupil progress and wellbeing to the wider team.

Skills

Degree level or equivalent

Passionate about children

Education career interest

Patient and empathetic

Confident communication

Relationship building

Team player

Willing to learn in SEND

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant – Guildford

Location: Guildford, Surrey

Position: Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-time, term-time

Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours

Are you a recent graduate looking to gain valuable experience working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Milk Education is currently recruiting for a Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive SEND school in Guildford. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate looking to gain hands‑on experience within a school environment and develop their understanding of supporting children with additional needs.

This role is particularly suited to graduates considering a future career in teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social work, or other child‑focused professions.

The Role

As a Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, SENCOs and the wider support team to provide tailored support to pupils with a range of additional needs. You will help pupils access learning, develop confidence and build essential social and independence skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEND.
• Supporting pupils with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Assisting teachers in creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Helping implement personalised learning and support strategies.
• Encouraging positive behaviour, confidence and independence.
• Supporting pupils with communication, interaction and emotional regulation.
• Building positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Supporting learning during lessons, activities and social times.
• Providing feedback on pupil progress and wellbeing to the wider team.
• Creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for all pupils.

You may support children and young people with a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties and complex additional needs.

About You

We are looking for graduates who are:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Passionate about supporting children and young people.
• Interested in developing a career within education, psychology, health or care.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Confident communicating with pupils and adults.
• Able to build strong and trusting relationships.
• A team player with a proactive and positive attitude.
• Keen to learn and develop within a SEND environment.

Previous experience working with children, young people or SEND is desirable but not essential. Full training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist SEND school in Guildford.
• Hands‑on experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Support from experienced teachers, SEN staff and pastoral teams.
• Ongoing guidance and professional development.
• A strong foundation for graduates looking to progress into education or child‑focused careers.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to children’s lives.

Safeguarding & Compliance

The successful candidate will be required to complete relevant safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references, in line with current safeguarding requirements.

Milk Education and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate checks and successful completion of the recruitment process.