Support Assistant (School-based) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Support Assistant (School-based) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Milk Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide 1:1 support for students with additional needs in a school environment.
  • Company: Join a welcoming secondary school in Longbenton, Newcastle.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing support, free training, and wellbeing resources.
  • Other info: Opportunity for permanent position and career growth in education.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and promote their independence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in healthcare or support roles, with a caring and patient approach.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.

Longbenton area – Newcastle upon Tyne / North Tyneside

Start date: 1st September 2026

Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8.30am-3.15pm

Milk Education is working in partnership with a welcoming secondary school in the Longbenton area of Newcastle that is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to provide 1:1 support for students with additional physical and medical needs. The position is to start at the beginning of the new academic year, to last for at least 1 full year initially, with the opportunity of going permanent for the right candidate.

This role would suit someone with a background as a Healthcare Assistant, Support Worker, Carer, or someone with experience supporting individuals with additional needs. This is not a classroom-based academic support role; instead, the focus is on ensuring specific students who require some additional support can safely move around the school to access their school day, remaining comfortable, and receiving the care and support they need to do so. The successful candidate will play a vital role in promoting the students’ independence, wellbeing, and inclusion within the school environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide dedicated 1:1 support to a student throughout the school day
  • Support the student in moving safely between lessons and around the school site
  • Assist with personal care requirements in a respectful and dignified manner
  • Administer medication in line with the school's policies and procedures
  • Monitor the student’s wellbeing and report any concerns to relevant staff
  • Work closely with school staff, parents/carers, and external professionals where appropriate
  • Help ensure the student can fully participate in school life
  • Maintain accurate records where required

Essential Requirements

  • Recent experience within the last five years in a healthcare, care, support work, or educational setting
  • Experience supporting individuals with medical needs, physical disabilities, or other additional needs
  • Confidence supporting with basic elements of personal care
  • Experience administering medication, or a willingness to undertake training to do so
  • A patient, caring, and compassionate approach
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a wider support team
  • Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
  • Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply

What You’ll Get

  • Competitive rates of pay
  • Fast and straightforward registration process
  • Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant
  • Access to exclusive school opportunities
  • Free CPD and training through the Milk Academy
  • Wellbeing support and resources
  • Discounts through our employee perks portal

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.

Support Assistant (School-based) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Milk Education

Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. With competitive pay, ongoing professional development through the Milk Academy, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, staff are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the welcoming Longbenton area of Newcastle upon Tyne, this position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the educational journey of students with additional needs while enjoying a fulfilling career.

Milk Education

Contact Details:

Milk Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Assistant (School-based) in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 Support Assistant (School-based) in Newcastle upon Tyne

1:1 Support
Personal Care Assistance
Medication Administration
Monitoring Wellbeing
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Independence Promotion

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.