SEN Teaching Assistant in Sunderland

SEN Teaching Assistant

Milk Education is more than a supply partner — we’re a community for educators.

We’re currently recruiting for SEN Teaching Assistants to work across welcoming secondary schools in South Tyneside, starting in September on a term-time basis.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Key Stages 3 & 4, helping them overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence, and reach their full potential. You’ll work closely with teachers, SENDCOs, and pastoral teams to provide tailored support both inside and outside the classroom, adapting your approach to meet each student’s individual needs.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about inclusive education and making a positive difference in the lives of young people with additional needs. Whether you have previous experience supporting students with SEND or transferable skills from care, youth work, coaching, mentoring, or support work, we’d love to hear from you.

SEN Teaching Assistant Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students with SEND across Key Stages 3 and 4 in the classroom
• Providing one-to-one and small group interventions tailored to individual learning and wellbeing needs
• Assisting teachers in adapting learning activities and resources to ensure all students can access the curriculum
• Supporting students with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and moderate learning difficulties
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and positive engagement with learning
• Implementing strategies and support plans in collaboration with teaching staff and the SEND team
• Promoting positive behaviour using consistent and supportive approaches
• Building positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and external professionals where appropriate
• Monitoring student progress and providing feedback to teachers and SEND staff
• Following all safeguarding procedures and school policies

SEN Teaching Assistant Rewards

• Competitive rates of pay with opportunities for permanent roles
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance
• Flexible working patterns (term-time hours: 08:30–15:30, Monday–Friday)
• Culture-matched placements in supportive and inclusive school environments
• Access to ongoing CPD and SEND-specific training through Milk Education
• FREE lesson planning tools and classroom resources
• FREE wellbeing support and access to our community hub
• School preparation guidance to help you feel confident from day one
• 24/7 support from your dedicated consultant

SEN Teaching Assistant Requirements or Skills

• Recent experience supporting children or young people with SEND, either within education, care, youth work, coaching, mentoring, or support work
• A genuine passion for helping students with additional needs achieve their potential
• Knowledge or understanding of SEND, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH, or learning difficulties (desirable but not essential)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient, empathetic, and adaptable approach
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students, staff, and families
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Interested?

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 Compliance+ 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. 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.