BISHOP AUCKLAND – SEND Learning & Life Skills Assistant

Bishop Auckland | September 2026 | Specialist SEND School | ⏰ Full-Time

Learning Beyond the Classroom – SEND Learning & Life Skills Assistant | Bishop Auckland

Could you help a young person build the confidence and skills they need for life beyond school?

Milk Education is looking for a SEND Learning & Life Skills Assistant to join a supportive specialist school in Bishop Auckland.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference while supporting children and young people to develop independence, communication, confidence and practical life skills.

Your background could be in care, youth work, childcare, education, support work, sports, community work or psychology — experience of working with children is welcomed, but a passion for helping others is what really matters.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Supporting pupils with personalised learning activities.
• Developing independence and everyday life skills.
• Encouraging communication and positive social interaction.
• Supporting pupils to manage emotions and overcome challenges.
• Helping with practical and hands-on activities.
• Getting involved in creative, sensory and outdoor learning.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Encouraging pupils to set goals and celebrate achievements.
• ⭐ Building confidence through positive reinforcement.
• Working alongside teachers and specialist staff.

We’re Looking For Someone Who…

• Is patient, compassionate and encouraging.
• Enjoys helping young people become more independent.
• Is confident building positive relationships.
• Can think creatively and adapt activities to individual needs.
• Has experience in SEND, care, childcare, youth work, education or support work — desirable but not essential.
• Is a graduate, aspiring teacher or has volunteering/placement experience working with children.
• Is reliable, resilient and ready to get involved.
• Wants a role where every day has a purpose.

Why This Role?

SEND education isn’t just about what’s happening in a workbook.

It’s about learning how to communicate, make choices, build friendships, become independent and believe in yourself.

You could help a young person learn something they’ll use for the rest of their life.

That’s a pretty special job.

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 a Difference?

Send your CV to Bethany:

bethany.dowell@milk-education.co.uk

Bishop Auckland – DL14 6AD

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.