At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in an SEMH school, building trust and promoting emotional development.
- Company: Milk Education, a purpose-driven teaching supply agency focused on educators.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent pay, exclusive discounts, and access to free CPD courses.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with 24/7 consultant support and eco-friendly values.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in criminal justice.
- Qualifications: Graduates in relevant fields or those with experience working with vulnerable children.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Newbury
Milk Education is excited to offer a unique opportunity for aspiring Criminal Justice Officers to work as a Teaching Assistant in an Alternative Provision and Specialist SEMH school in Reading. This role is perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation in Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) education while pursuing careers in Youth Justice, Criminal Justice, or Social Care.
About the Role
The school’s ethos "Connect Before Content" prioritises building meaningful relationships with pupils as the cornerstone of their academic and emotional success. You will work closely with children aged 4‑18 who face significant challenges, including ADHD, ADD, extreme anxiety, and complex social and emotional needs. Your role will involve:
- Building trust and rapport with students to help them regulate their emotions and improve academic progress.
- Using restorative approaches to help children overcome barriers to learning and develop positive behaviours.
- Supporting children with personal challenges, such as low stress tolerance and severe anxiety, through empathy and care.
- Assisting in small classrooms of 4‑12 students, tailoring support to individual needs.
- Helping students reintegrate into education and the wider community, empowering them to achieve their potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Advocate for children with SEMH needs, promoting their emotional and academic development.
- Build strong, restorative relationships to foster trust and engagement.
- Collaborate with therapists and school staff to deliver holistic, therapeutic interventions.
- Celebrate small successes and milestones, recognising the importance of every step forward.
- Support students in developing resilience and coping strategies in a safe, nurturing environment.
What We’re Looking For
- Graduates in Criminology, Psychology, Youth and Community, or related fields (non-graduates with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply).
- A genuine passion for working with vulnerable children and advocating for their needs.
- A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach to addressing challenging behaviours.
- A strong commitment to restorative practices and building connections before academic content.
- Experience working with vulnerable children or young people (desirable but not essential – training provided).
Benefits to You
- Excellent rates of pay.
- Speedy registration process and fast‑track compliance.
- Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
- 5-Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google and Facebook.
- Exclusive school and trust partnerships.
- Access to our FREE Perks Portal, exclusive discounts (our version of the Blue Light Card).
- 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses via Milk Academy.
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
- FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub.
- School Preparation Pack – be ready for your school placements.
- 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
- Our Unbottled division brings lived‑experience speakers into schools.
- We’re located across England and North Wales with 9 offices.
- Join the UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency.
Why choose Milk Education
Milk Education is a purpose‑driven teaching supply agency focused on putting educators first. We’re committed to finding high‑quality teaching talent and supporting schools across the U.K. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to 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 and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.
By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy (available on our website). Please note that Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
How to Apply
To apply, please respond to this advert or email your CV to joe.harkin@milk-education.co.uk.
Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer – Teaching Assistant – Newbury employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for aspiring Criminal Justice Officers, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in Newbury. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, employees benefit from flexible working hours, access to over 1000 accredited CPD courses, and a commitment to wellbeing through resources like the Educator Wellbeing eBook. Our ethos of 'Connect Before Content' ensures that staff are empowered to build meaningful relationships with students, making a real difference in their lives while enjoying a rewarding career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer – Teaching Assistant – Newbury
✨Join Local Community Initiatives
Jump into local community groups or organisations focused on social work. They often have internship opportunities or can connect you with places that do. It's a great way to meet people already in the field and get a feel for what different roles involve.
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Make good use of your university's career services—most have strong links with organisations looking for interns in social work. Check for workshops, job fairs, or even guest speakers in the field who can provide insights and connections for internships.
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye on events like workshops, conferences, and panel discussions related to social work. These gatherings are perfect for networking and you might even hear about internship openings that are not widely advertised.
✨Don't Dismiss Smaller Organisations
While big names in social work can seem appealing, small organisations often provide hands-on experience that's invaluable. Be sure to apply through our website, as these places might not be on your radar but can offer fantastic internships!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer – Teaching Assistant – Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your passion for social work really shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to this field. We want to see your motivation and your genuine drive to make a difference in people's lives, especially in your cover letter.
Highlight Relevant Academic Knowledge:Since this is an internship, it's a great opportunity to showcase any coursework or projects related to social work. Including details about your studies, relevant modules, or even research you’ve done can really set you apart. It shows us that you’ve got a strong foundation and are keen to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.
Include Experience with Vulnerable Populations:Have you volunteered or worked with vulnerable groups? Make sure you mention this in your CV! Highlight any internships, volunteer roles, or work experience that demonstrates your understanding of the issues faced by these communities. Practical experience is essential in social work, and it will give us insight into your hands-on skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should do more than just repeat what's in your CV – it’s your chance to tell us why you want this internship at Milk Education specifically. Talk about what you hope to learn and how your values align with our mission. A strong, tailored letter can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about the people! Make sure to share examples that showcase your passion for making a difference, like any volunteer work or community initiatives you've been a part of. This helps interviewers at Milk Education see your genuine commitment to the field.
✨Know the Key Theories and Models
Brush up on important social work theories and models, such as Ecological Systems Theory or Strengths-based practice. Being able to talk about how these concepts apply to real-life situations can impress your interviewers and show that you're ready to dive into the internship at Milk Education.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Interviewers often ask behavioural questions to understand how you'd handle real-world challenges in social work. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy, communication skills, or conflict resolution – these will help us illustrate your problem-solving abilities during the interview.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, you’ll likely be new to many aspects of social work. Make it clear to Milk Education that you’re open to learning and adapting. Share what you hope to gain from the internship and how you wish to grow in the field, as this can reflect your growth mindset!
