Learning Support Assistant

Milk Education is recruiting on behalf of a specialist education setting in Bexley for a dedicated, compassionate and resilient Pastoral Support Assistant to support children and young people with additional social, emotional and behavioural needs.

The setting provides a structured, supportive environment for pupils who may face barriers to learning and require a more personalised approach to education. With a strong focus on wellbeing, positive relationships and individual development, the provision aims to help pupils build confidence, develop emotional resilience and re-engage with their learning.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in SEMH, behaviour support, pastoral care, youth work or residential care who is passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and reach their potential.

As a Pastoral Support Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, helping them manage their emotions, develop positive behaviours and engage more confidently with education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing targeted 1:1 and small-group pastoral support.
• Supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies.
• Supporting behaviour plans, interventions and individual learning goals.
• Assisting pupils during lessons, transitions and unstructured times.
• Using positive behaviour management, de-escalation and restorative approaches.
• Building trusting relationships and acting as a consistent, positive role model.
• Encouraging attendance, engagement, independence and personal development.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, safeguarding staff and external professionals.
• Monitoring pupil progress and contributing to reviews and support plans.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or behavioural challenges.
• Is calm, patient, empathetic and resilient when faced with challenging situations.
• Understands the importance of boundaries, consistency and positive reinforcement.
• Can build strong, professional relationships with pupils who may struggle to trust adults.
• Is confident using de-escalation techniques and supporting emotional regulation.
• Takes a nurturing, trauma-informed and child-centred approach.
• Is proactive, adaptable and committed to helping every pupil succeed.

Experience with in a specialist school, alternative provision, mainstream education, youth work or a care setting would be highly desirable. However, we are also interested in candidates with transferable experience and the right attitude.

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people.
• A structured environment focused on individual needs, wellbeing and personal development.
• The chance to build meaningful relationships and support pupils to overcome barriers to learning.
• An opportunity to develop your experience within specialist education and pastoral support.

• Excellent rates of pay.
• Speedy registratio