At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to helping every child thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to professional development courses.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with 24/7 consultant assistance and tailored placements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and support their educational journey.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people is desirable; passion for inclusion is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Special Needs Assistant (1:1 Support)
Location: Wakefield, Kirklees & Huddersfield
Contract: Full-time, Part-time & Long-Term Opportunities
Make Every School Day Count
At Milk Education, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We’re looking for compassionate and dedicated Special Needs Assistants to provide 1:1 support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across our partner schools. This is more than just a support role – it’s an opportunity to become a trusted adult who makes a lasting impact on a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and educational journey. Whether you’re an experienced Teaching Assistant, have worked in care, youth work, coaching, or are looking to begin a rewarding career in education, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
As a 1:1 Special Needs Assistant, you’ll work closely with an individual pupil, providing tailored support to help them engage with learning, build independence, and achieve their personal goals. You may be supporting pupils with:
- Autism (ASC)
- ADHD
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Moderate or Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Physical or sensory needs
Your Responsibilities
- Provide dedicated 1:1 classroom support throughout the school day.
- Adapt learning activities to meet the individual needs of your pupil.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence and engagement.
- Support emotional regulation and promote positive behaviour.
- Encourage independence while offering appropriate guidance and reassurance.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and families to support pupil progress.
- Record observations and contribute to pupil reviews where required.
- Champion inclusion, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who are patient, empathetic, and passionate about supporting children to succeed. Experience in any of the following is highly desirable:
- SEND or school-based support
- Care or support work
- Residential childcare
- Youth work or mentoring
- Sports coaching
- Mental health support
- Psychology or Education graduates seeking school experience
You’ll also have:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A calm, resilient, and proactive approach.
- A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
- A commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.
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.
Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people (professional or voluntary) is desirable.
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.
- Two professional references covering the past two years.
- The right to work in the UK.
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. 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.
SEN 1:1 Teaching Assistant in Wakefield employer: Milk Education
At Milk Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Special Needs Assistants. With flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a strong emphasis on professional development through CPD courses, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our culture prioritises collaboration and wellbeing, ensuring that every team member feels valued and equipped to thrive in their role across Wakefield, Kirklees, and Huddersfield.
