SEMH Learning Support Assistant
Primary & Secondary Schools | South Tyneside | October 2026 Start
Are you an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next rewarding opportunity?
Milk Education is working with specialist provisions and PRUs across South Tyneside, offering long-term opportunities from October 2026.
We're looking for resilient, experienced support staff to help pupils with SEMH needs re-engage with learning, manage challenging behaviour and develop the confidence to transition back into mainstream education where appropriate. If you're passionate about building positive relationships and helping young people overcome barriers to education, we'd love to hear from you!
What will you be doing as a SEMH Learning Support Assistant?
- Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Supporting children and young people within mainstream schools, specialist provisions, Pupil Referral Units and alternative education settings.
- Helping pupils re-engage with education, access their lessons and develop positive attitudes towards learning.
- Supporting successful transitions and reintegration into mainstream education where appropriate.
- Delivering and adapting learning activities to meet individual needs, helping pupils remain focused and work towards their educational goals.
- Supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety or difficulties engaging with learning.
- Recognising individual triggers and using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to prevent escalation.
- Helping pupils develop emotional regulation, social skills, resilience and confidence.
- Building positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear and consistent professional boundaries.
- Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, SENCOs and wider professionals to provide consistent support.
- Creating a calm, structured and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to learn.
What we're looking for in a SEMH Learning Support Assistant:
- Recent, hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour.
- Experience within a mainstream primary or secondary school, specialist SEMH provision, Pupil Referral Unit, alternative provision, residential care or a similar setting.
- A confident understanding of positive behaviour management, emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies.
- Experience supporting pupils who may struggle to engage with education or require additional support with transitions and reintegration.
- The patience, resilience and emotional maturity needed to respond calmly in challenging situations.
- Someone who can build meaningful relationships while maintaining clear, consistent professional boundaries.
- The ability to adapt to changing situations and remain calm under pressure.
- A genuine passion for helping vulnerable pupils overcome barriers to education and achieve their potential.
Relevant experience is key. If you've worked as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, PRU Support Worker, Youth Worker, Residential Support Worker or in a similar role supporting children and young people with additional needs, your experience could be a great fit.
Why work with Milk Education as an SEMH Learning Support Assistant?
We know experienced SEMH support staff bring so much to a school, and we want you to feel supported in return.
- Long-term opportunities across South Tyneside, with potential temp-to-perm routes.
- Competitive daily pay, based on your experience, qualifications and the requirements of the role.
- A dedicated consultant who takes the time to understand your experience, preferences and career goals.
- A quick, supported registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.
- FREE CPD and training, including safeguarding, SEND and behaviour management, with further development opportunities through Milk Academy.
- School-specific preparation and handover information to help you feel confident before your first day.
- Access to a network of trusted schools and further opportunities across the North East.
- Ongoing support and communication throughout your placement, because finding the right setting matters just as much as finding the right role.
Ready for your next SEMH opportunity?
If you're an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant or Learning Support professional looking for a long-term role where you can make a genuine difference to a young person's education, confidence and future, let's have a chat!
Let's find a role that makes the most of your experience.
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and compliance checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo requirements.
Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SEMH Learning Support Assistant in South Shields employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. With access to extensive training, personal development opportunities, and a strong network of partner schools in South Tyneside, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a unique educational agency that not only values your growth but also contributes to local initiatives through our charity foundation.
