Trauma-Informed Support Assistant

Trauma-Informed Support Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced adversity? Do you want to play a vital role in helping primary-age pupils re-engage with learning and build resilience? Milk Education is working in partnership with a nurturing primary provision in North Durham to appoint a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant to join their committed, relationship-focused team.

This inclusive primary setting supports pupils with a range of social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), trauma histories, attachment needs, autism, and barriers to engagement. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education or challenges that impact their ability to feel safe, regulate their emotions, and access learning.

The school is deeply committed to being trauma-informed and offers:

• A predictable, safe, and supportive environment built on trust and consistency
• Strength-based teaching and individualised support that recognises pupils’ lived experiences
• Close collaboration with therapists, external agencies, and families
• A strong focus on emotional regulation, wellbeing, and life skills development
• A relational, restorative approach that celebrates each young person’s growth and identity

Joining this school means becoming part of a compassionate and skilled team dedicated to transforming pupils’ experiences of education

As a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and SEN practitioners to support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, engagement in learning, and development of essential life skills.

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and creating positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

You will provide individualised, trauma-aware support throughout the school day, acting as a calm, consistent, and trusted adult for pupils who may struggle with confidence, emotional regulation, or engagement.

• Build safe, trusting, and respectful relationships using trauma-informed approaches
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support focused on emotional regulation, resilience, and self-confidence
• Use co-regulation strategies, restorative conversations, and reflective practice to support emotional understanding

• Support pupils at risk of disengagement, school avoidance, or challenging behaviour
• Help pupils access learning by reducing barriers and encouraging participation
• Assist with transitions throughout the school day and maintain consistent routines

• Model calm, predictable behaviour and support pupils in developing regulation strategies
• Use de-escalation approaches and strength-based communication
• Observe, record, and share information relating to pupils’ progress, wellbeing, and behaviour

• Help pupils develop communication, independence, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Encourage aspirations and support preparation for future pathways
• Promote confidence, resilience, and readiness for adulthood

• Experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma, autism, or complex needs (school or care backgrounds welcome)
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and its impact on behaviour and learning
• A relevant qualification linking to working with children (desirable)
• Strong communication, teamwork, and reflective skills
• A calm, patient, and emotionally resilient approach
• A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable young people
• Must live locally to North Durham—no relocation

Milk Education are an eco-friendly, purpose-driven supply agency, driven to make a change, with a mission to be the MOST REWARDING agency to work both with and for.

• Excellent rates of pay
• Health and wellbeing support
• Free lesson plans
• 24/7 access to your personal consultant
• Training support sessions
  
  Referral programme
• Support and guidance if you wish to progress into a permanent role