Mental Health Classroom Assistant in Ponteland

Location: Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne / Northumberland

Salary: £540 - £570 per week (depending on experience)

Contract: Full-time, Temporary with the opportunity to become permanent

Start Date: September 2026

Mental Health Classroom Assistant is a role in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Ponteland on a long or short-term basis starting in September. This role is full time, temp with the opportunity to become permanent after a qualifying period. You’ll be joining a specialist setting dedicated to supporting young people who have experienced barriers to mainstream education. The school is committed to wellbeing and positive relationships, providing a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where students are empowered to rebuild confidence, regulate their emotions and achieve success both academically and personally.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a new or experienced educator to become a trusted, consistent adult in the lives of young people who benefit from patience, understanding and encouragement. Every day brings the chance to make a genuine difference by helping students overcome challenges and celebrate progress, no matter how big or small. You’ll be joining a compassionate, experienced team that places emotional wellbeing, resilience and personalised support at the centre of everything they do. It’s an ideal role for someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships and is passionate about helping young people reach their potential.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, responding to their individual social, emotional and learning needs
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience
• Supporting students to regulate their emotions and use positive behaviour strategies throughout the school day
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual needs
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, understood and able to succeed

Requirements or Skills:

• Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision, youth work or education setting
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or additional learning needs is highly desirable
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills
• Confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team and following the guidance of teaching and pastoral staff
• A calm, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations and build strong professional relationships with young people

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting 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. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.