SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant - Durham

AMA Admin; North East; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive weekly pay

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils across Durham (DH1) and surrounding areas. We welcome experienced TAs or those with SEND/autism experience to apply for short-term and long-term roles in primary settings.

You will support pupils with a range of needs, helping them communicate, gain confidence, and participate in learning. Competitive weekly pay and fast-track compliance are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH is desirable.
• Experience with autism, complex needs, learning difficulties, or challenging behaviour is advantageous.
• Experience within a school, SEN provision, education, or care setting is beneficial.
• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply).

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.
• Support children with autism, complex needs, learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Build positive, trusting, and consistent relationships with pupils.
• Adapt activities and support strategies to meet individual learning needs.
• Support pupils with communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
• Support pupils to access learning and engage positively within the classroom.
• Follow individual education plans, EHCPs, and relevant support strategies.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to support pupil progress.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to sensory needs and changes in pupil behaviour.
• Use positive behaviour management strategies to support pupils.
• Support personal care and physical needs where required by the role.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and professional practice.

Skills

Calm and resilient

Excellent communication

Build positive relationships

Adapt support to individual needs

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification (Desirable)

Job description

SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant - Durham

Milk Education is working with welcoming and supportive schools across Durham (DH1) and is looking to recruit caring, patient, and dedicated SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistants for a range of opportunities.

Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, have experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), or have a background in autism support, complex needs, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), behaviour support, or care, we'd love to hear from you.

We have a range of short-term and long-term opportunities available, including full-time roles, supporting pupils with additional needs across primary settings.

You’ll play a vital role in supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, helping them develop communication skills, confidence, independence, emotional regulation, and the skills they need to engage successfully with education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.

• Support children with autism, complex needs, learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs.

• Build positive, trusting, and consistent relationships with pupils.

• Adapt activities and support strategies to meet individual learning needs.

• Support pupils with communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

• Help pupils develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.

• Support pupils to access learning and engage positively within the classroom.

• Follow individual education plans, EHCPs, and relevant support strategies.

• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to support pupil progress.

• Recognise and respond appropriately to sensory needs and changes in pupil behaviour.

• Use positive behaviour management strategies to support pupils.

• Support personal care and physical needs where required by the role.

• Maintain high standards of safeguarding and professional practice.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH is desirable.

• Experience with autism, complex needs, learning difficulties, or challenging behaviour is advantageous.

• Experience within a school, SEN provision, education, or care setting is beneficial.

• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification is desirable but not essential.

• Calm, patient, and resilient approach.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to build strong and positive relationships with pupils.

• Confidence adapting support to meet individual needs.

• Understanding of sensory needs, communication differences, and positive behaviour support.

• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.

• Passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning.

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply).

What Milk Education Offers

• Competitive weekly pay, dependent on experience and qualifications.

• Opportunities across Durham (DH1) and surrounding areas.

• Short-term and long-term opportunities.

• Fast-track registration and compliance process.

• Five-star rated education agency