At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs, providing 1:1 and group assistance.
- Company: A welcoming specialist school focused on pastoral care and inclusion.
- Benefits: Full-time role with potential for permanent position and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a committed team dedicated to positive relationship building and student support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND/SEMH, resilience, and a passion for supporting youth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs? Do you have the resilience, empathy and confidence to make a real difference to their lives every day? We are currently recruiting for a dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a wonderful specialist secondary school provision in the NE23 area. There are multiple opportunities available, initially for a full academic year from September 2026, with the potential for roles to become permanent for the right candidates.
About the School
This welcoming secondary school setting provides a supportive and inclusive environment for pupils aged 11-17 years old with a range of additional needs, who have often experienced trauma. The school places a strong focus on pastoral care, ensuring students feel safe, understood and supported throughout their education. With a committed staff team and a strong behaviour support approach, the school promotes consistency, structure and positive relationship building. Staff work closely together to support pupils both academically and emotionally, helping them to re-engage with learning and build confidence.
The Role: As a SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you will:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Support students with emotional regulation and engagement in lessons
- Act as a positive role model, encouraging confidence and resilience
- Help manage and de-escalate displays of challenging behaviour
- Support pupils during lessons, transitions and break times
- Work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams
The Ideal Candidate:
- Prior experience working with children/young people with SEND, SEMH or behavioural needs
- A confident, proactive & resilient approach – not afraid to ‘get stuck in’
- A calm demeanour, with an ability to build positive relationships
- An understanding of behaviour management & de-escalation strategies
- A clear passion for supporting vulnerable young people
Team Teach (or similar) training is desirable, but not essential – as training can be provided in school. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines. Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
Social, Emotional & Mental Health Support Assistant – Children & Young People in Cramlington employer: Milk Education
At our specialist SEND & SEMH school in Cramlington, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team is committed to the professional growth of our staff, offering training opportunities and a collaborative culture that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Join us and be part of a passionate community that values resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social, Emotional & Mental Health Support Assistant – Children & Young People in Cramlington
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Milk Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Milk Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Milk Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Milk Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social, Emotional & Mental Health Support Assistant – Children & Young People in Cramlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
