DARLINGTON – SEND Wellbeing & Engagement Mentor

Darlington | September 2026 | Specialist SEND School | ⏰ Full-Time

More Than Support – SEND Wellbeing & Engagement Mentor | Darlington

Could you be the person who helps a young person feel understood, confident and ready to take on the day?

Milk Education is looking for a SEND Wellbeing & Engagement Mentor to join a supportive specialist school in Darlington.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about building relationships, encouraging confidence and helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

Your previous experience could be in youth work, care, mentoring, sports coaching, psychology, childcare, education or community support.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Encouraging communication and positive social interaction.
• Supporting confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Helping pupils engage with learning and school activities.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Supporting pupils with practical and sensory activities.
• Helping children develop strategies to manage challenges.
• ⭐ Encouraging independence and celebrating progress.
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff.
• Getting involved in creative, outdoor and enrichment activities.

We’re Looking For Someone Who…

• Is calm, patient, warm and approachable.
• Has a natural ability to build relationships.
• Is passionate about supporting children and young people.
• Can remain positive and consistent when things don’t go to plan.
• Has experience in SEND, care, mentoring, youth work, childcare or education — desirable but not essential.
• Is a graduate, aspiring teacher or someone with volunteering/placement experience working with children.
• Is confident working both independently and as part of a team.
• Is reliable, adaptable and ready to get stuck in.

Why This Role Matters

For some young people, walking through the school gates can be a huge achievement.

Your role isn’t just about supporting learning.

It’s about helping a pupil feel safe enough to try, confident enough to participate and proud enough to celebrate their progress.

Sometimes, being the right person at the right moment can change a child’s entire day.

Why Milk Education?

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• ⚡ Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• FREE CPD training.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources.
• Educator Wellbeing support.
• School Preparation Pack.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Send your CV to Bethany:

bethany.dowell@milk-education.co.uk

Darlington – DL1 1AA

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 subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/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.