SEND Learning Support Assistant

About Us:

Milk Education is more than a supply agency – we’re a supportive community for education professionals. When you join us, you’ll have access to training, professional development opportunities, and continued support throughout your placement. We’re currently looking for dedicated SEND Learning Support Assistants to work across a number of welcoming and inclusive specialist schools in Middlesbrough, with long-term opportunities available from October 2026.

You’ll be working within supportive school environments that place inclusion, wellbeing, and individual pupil needs at the heart of everything they do. These schools provide safe and nurturing settings where every child is encouraged to develop, succeed, and reach their potential. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced SEND staff, Teaching Assistants, or individuals with a background in care or youth work who are passionate about supporting children and young people.

SEND Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEND, adapting your approach to meet their individual needs.
• Supporting pupils with their communication, social skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
• Working closely with the class teacher to deliver engaging and appropriately differentiated learning activities.
• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans, and personalised learning approaches.
• Helping to maintain a calm, positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment where all pupils feel respected and valued.
• Supporting pupils with sensory needs by using flexible approaches and adapting activities to suit individual learning preferences.
• Developing positive and trusting relationships with pupils to encourage participation, confidence, and progress.
• Working effectively alongside teachers, support staff, parents, carers, and other professionals involved in the pupil’s education and development.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping pupils work towards their individual educational, social, and personal goals.

SEND Learning Support Assistant requirements or Skills:

• Recent experience supporting children or young people with SEND within a school, care, youth work, or similar environment.
• Experience working with pupils with Autism (ASD), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, or complex learning needs would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication, literacy, organisation, and teamwork skills.
• A patient, compassionate, resilient, and adaptable approach when working with learners.
• A sound understanding of positive behaviour management and appropriate supportive intervention strategies.
• A genuine commitment to helping children and young people with additional needs build confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their full potential.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay, with temp-to-perm opportunities available.
• Fast and straightforward registration process with fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited to the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible opportunities available across Middlesbrough!
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand your experience, strengths, and values to help find the right school for you.
• Priority Partnership school network – giving you access to trusted schools that work with us on long-term staffing, enrichment, and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour, alongside access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and teaching resources, created by practising teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe well-supported staff make a greater and more lasting impact.
• School Preparation Pack including handover information and useful school guides, helping you feel confident and prepared from your first day.
• 24/7 support from your dedicated personal consultant, available directly through their work mobile to provide you with personalised support throughout your placement.

This position is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will depend on your qualifications, relevant experience, and the specific requirements of the assignment.

Interested?

Click ‘Apply Now’ or send me a message – I’m more than happy to talk through the opportunity and answer any questions you may have.

Phone:01642 983001

Email: anna.wilson@milk-education.co.uk

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be required to complete relevant compliance checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo requirements.

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

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