SEMH Learning Support Assistant

About Us:

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.

SEMH Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• 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.

SEMH Learning Support Assistant requirements or

Skills:

• 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.

Benefits:

• 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.