SEND Learning Support Assistant

Primary & Specialist Schools | North Shields | November 2026 Start

Are you an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next rewarding opportunity?

Milk Education is working with welcoming mainstream primary schools and specialist SEND provisions across North Shields, and we’re looking for passionate, experienced SEND professionals to join their teams on a long-term basis from November 2026.

We’re looking for people who understand that supporting pupils with additional needs takes more than classroom experience. It takes patience, resilience, adaptability and the ability to build trusting relationships that help children feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

Whether you have experience supporting pupils with autism, complex needs, communication difficulties or social, emotional and mental health needs, we’d love to hear from you!

What will you be doing?

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs, helping them access learning and develop independence.
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, communication difficulties and complex learning needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, sensory processing and positive behaviour strategies.
• Adapting activities and approaches to meet individual learning needs, following EHCP targets and personalised support plans where appropriate.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and wider support teams to deliver consistent, effective support.
• Creating a calm, safe and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

What we’re looking for

• Recent, hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEND, ideally within a school or specialist provision.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, complex needs, communication difficulties or SEMH.
• A confident understanding of individualised support, emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• The patience, resilience and flexibility needed to respond to different needs and situations.
• Someone who can build meaningful relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• A genuine passion for helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Relevant experience is key. If you’ve worked in a specialist school, SEND unit, mainstream school with additional needs, residential care or a similar setting, your experience could be a great fit.

Why work with Milk Education?

We know experienced SEND staff bring so much to a school, and we want you to feel supported in return.

• Long-term opportunities across Washington, with potential temp-to-perm routes.
• Competitive daily pay, based on your experience, qualifications and the requirements of the role.
• A dedicated consultant who takes the time to understand your experience, preferences and career goals.
• A quick, supported registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.
• FREE CPD and training, including safeguarding, SEND and behaviour management, with further development opportunities through Milk Academy.
• School-specific preparation and handover information to help you feel confident before your first day.
• Access to a network of trusted schools and further opportunities across the North East.
• Ongoing support and communication throughout your placement, because finding the right school matters just as much as finding the right role.

Ready for your next SEND opportunity?

If you’re an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or support professional looking for a long-term role where your skills can make a genuine difference, let’s have a chat!

Apply now or contact me directly:

Phone: 0191 486 2500

Email: eliza.fenwick@milk-education.co.uk

Let’s find a role that makes the most of your experience.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and 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 persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or 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.

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