SEND Learning Support Assistant

AMA Admin; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term opportunities across North/E

Competitive daily pay

Dedicated consultant

Free CPD and training

APSCo Compliance+ compliant safer-recr

Job summary

Milk Education is working with welcoming mainstream primary schools and specialist SEND provisions across Washington, and we're looking for passionate, experienced SEND professionals to join their teams on a long-term basis from October 2026.

We’re seeking a SEND Learning Support Assistant to provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning, develop independence and build confidence in a calm, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Recent, hands-on experience supporting children with SEND, ideally within a school or specialist provision.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, sensory needs or SEMH.
• Understanding of individualized support, emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• Patience, resilience and flexibility to respond to different needs and situations.

Responsibilities

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs, helping them access learning and develop independence.
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, communication difficulties and complex learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, sensory processing and positive behaviour strategies.
• Adapting activities and approaches to meet individual learning needs, following EHCP targets and personalised support plans where appropriate.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and wider support teams to deliver consistent, effective support.
• Creating a calm, safe and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Small-group support

Relationship building

Job description

SEND Learning Support Assistant

Primary & Specialist Schools | Washington | October 2026 Start

Are you an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next rewarding opportunity?

Milk Education is working with welcoming mainstream primary schools and specialist SEND provisions across Washington, and we're looking for passionate, experienced SEND professionals to join their teams on a long-term basis from October 2026.

We're looking for people who understand that supporting pupils with additional needs takes more than classroom experience. It takes patience, resilience, adaptability and the ability to build trusting relationships that help children feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

Whether you have experience supporting pupils with autism, complex needs, communication difficulties or social, emotional and mental health needs, we'd love to hear from you!

What will you be doing?

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs, helping them access learning and develop independence.
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, communication difficulties and complex learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, sensory processing and positive behaviour strategies.
• Adapting activities and approaches to meet individual learning needs, following EHCP targets and personalised support plans where appropriate.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and wider support teams to deliver consistent, effective support.
• Creating a calm, safe and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

What we're looking for

• Recent, hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEND, ideally within a school or specialist provision.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, complex needs, communication difficulties or SEMH.
• A confident understanding of individualised support, emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• The patience, resilience and flexibility needed to respond to different needs and situations.
• Someone who can build meaningful relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• A genuine passion for helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Relevant experience is key. If you've worked in a specialist school, SEND unit, mainstream school with additional needs, residential care or a similar setting, your experience could be a great fit.

Why work with Milk Education?

We know experienced SEND staff bring so much to a school, and we want you to feel supported in return.

• Long-term opportunities across Washington, with potential temp-to-perm routes.
• Competitive daily pay, based on your experience, qualifications and the requirements of the role.
• A dedicated consultant who takes the time to understand your experience, preferences and career goals.
• A quick, supported registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.
• FREE CPD and training, including safeguarding, SEND and behaviour management, with further development opportunities through Milk Academy.
• School-specific preparation and handover information to help you feel confident before your first day.
• Access to a network of trusted schools and further opportunities across the North East.
• Ongoing support and communication thr