SEMH Learning Support Assistant

SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Darlington

At Milk Education, we do more than place staff in schools – we build long-term partnerships with educators. Alongside competitive opportunities, you’ll have access to ongoing CPD, dedicated support, and career development. We are currently seeking enthusiastic SEMH Learning Support Assistants to work within a number of specialist schools across Darlington, with long-term opportunities available from September 2026.

Our partner schools provide structured, nurturing environments where pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally. This role is ideal for experienced Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors, Learning Support Assistants, Youth Workers, or individuals from care and pastoral backgrounds looking to make a positive impact.

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs and associated barriers to learning.
• Supporting pupils to develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, social skills, and independence.
• Working closely with teachers to adapt learning activities and ensure every pupil can access the curriculum.
• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support strategies, and personalised intervention plans.
• Creating a positive, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes engagement and wellbeing.
• Using restorative and trauma-informed approaches to manage behaviour and support pupils through challenging situations.
• Developing strong, professional relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood, and motivated to learn.
• Supporting pupils to recognise emotions, regulate behaviour, and develop effective coping strategies.
• Liaising with teaching staff, pastoral teams, families, and external agencies to provide consistent support.
• Celebrating achievements and encouraging pupils to reach both their educational and personal development goals.

• Recent experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs in education, care, youth work, or similar settings.
• Previous experience working with pupils displaying challenging behaviour, attachment needs, ADHD, Autism (ASD), or trauma-related needs is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• A calm, empathetic, resilient, and flexible approach to supporting young people.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practice.
• A genuine commitment to helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

• Competitive rates of pay with opportunities to secure permanent positions.
• Fast and straightforward registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible placements across specialist schools in Darlington.
• Carefully matched placements based on your experience, strengths, and career aspirations.
• Access to our Priority Partnership schools with exclusive long-term opportunities.
• Free CPD before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour training, plus ongoing development through Milk Academy.
• Free PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources created by experienced teachers.
• Access to wellbeing resources and our educator community hub to support your professional journey.
• School preparation packs with useful information and handover guidance before you start.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting salary will reflect your qualifications, previous experience, and the requirements of the placement.

Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch for an informal conversation about the role.

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Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited and operate in line with DfE guidance and Keeping Children Safe in Education. All successful applicants will be subject to the appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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