SEND Support Worker

AMA Admin; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is looking for a SEND Support Assistant to work with pupils with Autism, SLD and PMLD in a specialist environment. You will provide personalised support throughout the school day, helping with communication, emotional regulation and daily living activities.

This role welcomes candidates from education or care backgrounds and offers both full-time and part-time opportunities. A caring, patient approach and safeguarding commitment are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in residential or supported living care, healthcare or learning support is relevant.
• Relevant qualifications in Health and Social Care, Education, Childcare or SEND are desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, SLD and PMLD and promote communication and independence.
• Assist with personal care, mobility and daily living activities where required.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and the wider support team.
• Help pupils access learning activities and maintain a safe, inclusive environment.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Skills

SEND support

Communication

Teamwork

Behaviour management

Job description

SEND Support worker

Are you a Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Care Assistant or Healthcare Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a real difference?

Do you have experience supporting individuals with additional needs and want to transfer your skills into a specialist school environment?

Milk Education is recruiting a compassionate and resilient SEND Support Assistants, supporting pupils with Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates from both education and care backgrounds who are passionate about helping children and young people develop their confidence, communication and independence.

About the Role

As a SEND Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and specialist support staff to provide personalised support throughout the school day.

Your experience from a care or support setting will be highly valuable, particularly when supporting pupils who require additional assistance with communication, emotional regulation, personal care or mobility.

You do not need to have worked in a school before. We welcome applications from candidates with relevant care experience who are passionate about developing their career in specialist education.

We also have full time and part time opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND needs.
• Supporting pupils with Autism, SLD and PMLD.
• Assisting with personal care, mobility and daily living activities where required.
• Supporting communication, sensory development and independence.
• Helping pupils access learning activities and the wider school curriculum.
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils and helping them feel safe and valued.
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and the wider support team.
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Residential or supported living care.
• Healthcare or hospital support.
• Working with adults or children with additional needs.
• SEN schools, mainstream education or learning support.
• Behaviour support, youth work or social care.

  You will also need:

  • A caring, patient and nurturing approach.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • The ability to remain calm and adaptable.
  • A genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
  • A commitment to safeguarding and professional conduct.

  Relevant qualifications in Health and Social Care, Education, Childcare or SEND are desirable but not essential.

  Why Join Milk Education?

  This is more than just a job — it's an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in education and discover where your career could take you.

  You'll work alongside experienced teachers and education professionals while developing practical skills in classroom management, SEND support, safeguarding, communication and pupil engagement.

  Whether you're planning to complete a PGCE, explore educational psychology, pursue a career in SEND or simply want to gain meaningful experience working with young people, this role is a great place to start.