SEND Support Worker – Classroom Based

Milk Education; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parking

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a SEND Support Worker to support pupils with complex SEND in a Durham school. The role focuses on children and young people with Autism, ADHD and communication needs, including non-verbal pupils using alternative communication methods.

The post is available as full-time or part-time and requires patience, calmness and the ability to implement structured routines, with ongoing safeguarding checks conducted including a DBS update. Parking is available nearby.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with complex SEND, particularly Autism/ADHD.
• Ability to use Makaton, PECS or visual supports is desirable.
• Patience, calmness and a supportive approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils aged 5 to 19 with complex SEND.
• Support non-verbal pupils using alternative communication methods.
• Use Makaton, PECS, visual timetables, symbols and boards to aid understanding.
• Assist in delivering Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Foster emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEND staff and external professionals.
• Help maintain a structured, calm, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

SEND experience

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Enhanced DBS (Update Service)

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Visual supports

Communication boards

Job description

SEND Support Worker – School-Based (Young People)

Durham – Full Time – £450-£550 Per Week

About Us:

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