SEND Support Assistant

AMA Admin; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Temp-to-perm routes

APSCo Compliance+

CPD courses

Wellbeing resources

School network access

Personal consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education, in partnership with a Newcastle-based secondary school, is seeking a SEND Support Assistant to work with 11–19 year olds with SEND in a mainstream setting. The role offers 1:1 and small-group support to pupils to access the curriculum and reach their potential.

Experience with SEND and a calm, empathetic approach are valued, with DBS checks and safeguarding in place. This is a school-backed placement with ongoing professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in an educational setting is desirable but not essential.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND is highly desirable.
• Experience working with EHCPs is desirable but not essential.
• Graduates with relevant degrees or experienced support workers are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small group support for students with SEND.
• Supporting learners with Autism, ADHD, Speech and Language needs, SEMH and other difficulties.
• Helping students access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning.
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual needs.
• Supporting students in line with individual support plans and EHCPs.
• Building positive relationships to encourage engagement and resilience.
• Working with SENDCo, teachers and staff to implement personalized strategies.
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive environment where every student can succeed.

Skills

Numeracy skills

Literacy skills

Patience & empathy

Teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

SEND Support Assistant

Location:Newcastle Upon Tyne

Working hours: 8.30am-3.30pm Monday to Friday

Start date: September 2026

Milk Education working in partnership with a fantastic 11-19 secondary school based in Newcastle seeking a new SEND Support Assistant to work with teenagers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within a mainstream school environment.

This school's aim is to combine academic rigour with unwavering pupil wellbeing - fostering a safe, inclusive environment where every single pupil feels seen, supported and challenged to reach their full potential.

SEND Support Assistant Key Responsibilities

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small group support for students with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Supporting young people with Autism, ADHD, Speech and Language, SEMH, and a range of other learning difficulties
• Supporting students to access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning
• Adapting learning activities to meet the individual needs of the students
• Supporting students in line with their individual support plans and EHCPs where required
• Building positive relationships with students that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience
• Working alongside the SENDCo, teachers and wider staff team to implement personalised learning and support strategies
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels able to succeed

SEND Support Assistant Person Specification

• Recent experience working in an educational setting is desirable but not essential
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND is highly desirable
• Experience working with EHCPs is desirable but not essential
• Experienced Support Workers who are open to working with children and young people, as well as graduates with relevant degrees looking to gain experience in education, would also fit this role perfectly due to the needs of the students
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning to reach their full potential
• A calm, patient and empathetic approach, with the ability to adapt to the individual needs of each student
• Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team
• An Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply)

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
• Culture-matched placements - we take the time to understand you and find 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 the 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 personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal

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 recru