Behaviour Buddy

Behaviour Buddy – Gateshead and surrounding areas

Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear

Salary: £540–£570 per week (depending on experience)

Contract: Full-time, Temporary with the opportunity to become permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about supporting children with additional needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning?

Milk Education is working in partnership with a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Gateshead to recruit a dedicated Behaviour Buddy to provide 1:1 support for a pupil with SEN and SEMH needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience supporting children with special educational needs, social, emotional and mental health difficulties, or behavioural challenges.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping the pupil regulate their emotions, develop positive relationships, build confidence and gradually access a full-time classroom environment.

You’ll work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school team to provide consistent, tailored support and create a safe, nurturing environment where the child can thrive.

As a Behaviour Buddy, you’ll:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a pupil with SEN/SEMH needs throughout the school day.
• Support emotional regulation and encourage positive behavioural choices.
• Implement tailored strategies to manage challenging behaviour and reduce barriers to learning.
• Build a strong, trusting relationship to promote confidence, emotional wellbeing and engagement.
• Support the development of social skills, communication and positive friendships.
• Use trauma-informed and positive behaviour approaches to support the pupil.
• Help the child gradually reintegrate into classroom-based learning.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and the SEN team to monitor progress and celebrate achievements.

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Have previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEMH or additional needs.
• Have experience working with pupils with autism, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties or behavioural challenges.
• Understand the importance of patience, consistency and positive relationship-building.
• Are confident using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Can remain calm, resilient and supportive when faced with challenging situations.
• Are passionate about helping children overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• Can work effectively as part of a wider school team.
• Hold, or are willing to apply for, an enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

Experience in a school, specialist provision, care setting or alternative provision would be highly desirable.

• Competitive weekly pay of £540–£570.
• A supportive and welcoming school environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A dedicated consultant to support you throughout your placement.
• The opportunity to secure a permanent position within the school.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment.

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