At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a nurturing, therapeutic environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist SEND school in Ashington.
- Benefits: Permanent roles, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with support from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or vulnerable adults; passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Ashington, Northumberland
Contract: Full-time, Term-time only
Hours: 08:30 – 15:30, Monday – Friday
Start: September 2026
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with complex additional needs? Do you want to gain valuable experience in a therapeutic SEND environment while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in education, healthcare, or therapy? Milk Education is working in partnership with a large specialist SEND school in Ashington to recruit compassionate and dedicated Therapeutic Learning Mentors to join their exceptional team. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a school that genuinely invests in its staff, with permanent opportunities available and excellent professional development for those looking to build a long-term career within specialist education.
About the School
This well-established specialist school supports children and young people aged 4–19 with a wide range of complex needs, including:
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
- Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
- Physical disabilities
- Complex medical needs
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
The school provides a highly nurturing, therapeutic environment where every pupil receives personalised support to help them communicate, develop independence, and reach their individual potential. Working alongside teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals, and experienced SEND practitioners, you’ll become part of a collaborative team committed to delivering outstanding care and education.
The Role: Therapeutic Learning Mentor
As a Therapeutic Learning Mentor, you’ll support pupils throughout the school day, helping them access learning while promoting communication, emotional wellbeing, independence, and social development. No two days are the same. You’ll use therapeutic and child-centred approaches to support pupils with their educational, sensory, emotional, and physical needs while building positive relationships that enable them to thrive. This role is particularly suited to aspiring:
- Educational Psychologists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Teachers
- Mental Health Practitioners
- Social Workers
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with complex SEND.
- Support pupils with Autism, PMLD, SLD, physical disabilities, and complex medical needs.
- Assist with communication, sensory regulation, and emotional wellbeing.
- Support personal care, feeding, and mobility where required.
- Work alongside teachers and therapists to deliver personalised learning and therapeutic interventions.
- Encourage independence, confidence, and life skills development.
- Observe, record, and report on pupil progress and wellbeing.
- Create a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
We’re Looking For
- Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults (education, care, healthcare, youth work, or support work experience welcomed).
- A caring, patient, and resilient approach.
- Confidence supporting pupils with complex needs and personal care, or a willingness to learn.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- A genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
Why Join This School Through Milk Education?
This school is well known for investing in its staff and creating genuine career pathways. Many Therapeutic Learning Mentors progress into permanent positions, where they receive additional training, mentoring, and specialist development opportunities to continue building their careers within SEND education.
Benefits include:
- Permanent opportunities available following a successful placement.
- Ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training.
- Opportunities to work alongside experienced therapists and multidisciplinary professionals.
- Clear progression routes into specialist education and leadership roles.
- Dedicated support from your Milk Education consultant throughout your journey.
- Free classroom resources and access to professional development.
- Join a purpose-driven agency committed to supporting schools, staff, and pupils.
Therapeutic Learning Mentor in Ashington employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Learning Mentor in Ashington
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Milk Education. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Milk Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Learning Mentor in Ashington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Milk Education:Take some time to research Milk Education and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Milk Education's values and approach.
