SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of young people with social, emotional and mental health needs?
We are an Alternative Provision Academy supporting children who are at risk of exclusion, experiencing vulnerability or have already been excluded from mainstream education. Our learners are referred by partner schools and local authorities across the North West, and we are committed to helping them re-engage with learning in a safe, nurturing and structured environment.

We specialise in supporting pupils with SEMH needs through a trauma‑informed, therapeutic approach. 

You will:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced trauma or significant barriers to learning
• Support pupils both in lessons and during social times
• Use therapeutic, nurturing and de-escalation strategies
• Work collaboratively with teachers, mentors and wider support staff
• Help create a calm, safe and positive learning environment
• Model professionalism, resilience, empathy and high expectations

You Will Need

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour or additional needs (school or non-school settings considered)
• A calm, confident, patient and proactive approach
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• A passion for helping young people overcome barriers and succeed
• The ability to remain positive, consistent and solution‑focused

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.

Interested? Click ‘Apply Now’ or drop me a message — happy to chat through the details.

Phone: 0151 519 0800

Email: Lucie.kivlehan@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 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.