SEND Support Worker - School Based (Young People)

AMA Admin; North East; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Allocated parking

Job summary

Milk Education, in partnership with a specialist SEND provision in Durham, is seeking SEND Support Workers to support pupils aged 5 to 19 with Autism, ADHD and complex needs. The role focuses on structured routines, clear communication, and emotional support, with a mix of one-to-one and small group work.

Both full-time and part-time arrangements are available, with term-time hours and a salary of £450–£550 per week.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND, particularly autism and communication needs.
• Ability to support non-verbal pupils using alternative communication methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent one-to-one and small group support for pupils with complex SEND.
• Support delivery of EHCPs and help maintain a calm, inclusive learning environment.
• Use Makaton and visual supports to aid understanding and engagement.

Skills

SEND experience

Autism

ADHD

Makaton

Communication

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Visual supports

Job description

SEND Support Worker - School-Based (Young People)

Durham

Start Date - January 2027

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only

Pay: £450 - £550 per Week

Milk Education is working in partnership with a specialist SEND provision in the Durham area to recruit SEND Support Workers to support pupils with complex SEND needs. This role focuses on children and young people with Autism, ADHD, and a range of learning disabilities, including pupils who are non-verbal or have significant communication needs. This is not a PMLD pathway.

The SEND Support Worker role is suited to individuals who are patient, calm, and confident in supporting pupils who require structured routines, clear communication strategies, and consistent emotional support. Pupils may present with sensory processing differences, emotional regulation needs, or behaviour that communicates unmet needs.

Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available, offering flexibility to suit your availability.

SEND Support Worker Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent one-to-one and small group support for pupils aged 5 to 19 with complex SEND, including Autism and ADHD


• Support non-verbal pupils using alternative and augmentative communication strategies


• Use tools such as Makaton, visual timetables, symbols, and communication boards to support understanding and engagement


• Support the delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)


• Encourage emotional regulation, communication, and engagement in learning


• Communicate clearly and respectfully with teachers, SEND staff, and external professionals


• Help maintain a structured, calm, and inclusive learning environment

SEND Support Worker Person Specification

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex SEND, particularly Autism and communication needs


• A solid understanding of Autism, ADHD, and different learning disabilities


• Experience using Makaton, PECS, visual supports, or communication boards is desirable


• A patient, caring, and non-judgemental approach


• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt to individual needs


• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team


• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply

Additional Information

• Allocated parking available in a car park local to the school

All applicants will be subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS, employment references, and right-to-work verification. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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 recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.