Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant – Specialist Schools

About Us:

At Milk Education, we are dedicated to helping graduates launch successful careers within education. We do more than simply connect you with schools – we provide continuous support, access to industry-leading training, and valuable opportunities to build your experience in specialist educational settings. We are currently seeking enthusiastic Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistants to work in a range of supportive specialist schools across Darlington on long-term placements beginning in September 2026.

This role is an excellent opportunity for graduates interested in progressing into teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, or other careers supporting children and young people. Our partner schools are committed to providing inclusive learning environments where pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.

Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• Delivering one-to-one and small group support to pupils with a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Assisting children with Autism (ASD), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, moderate learning needs, and a range of additional educational requirements.
• Working in partnership with teachers to deliver engaging, differentiated learning activities that meet individual pupil needs.
• Supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and personalised learning programmes.
• Developing positive, trusting relationships with pupils to boost confidence, participation, and independence.
• Helping to create a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing classroom where every pupil can succeed.
• Supporting pupils with communication, emotional wellbeing, social interaction, and everyday life skills.
• Promoting positive behaviour by following school policies and using appropriate behaviour support strategies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure consistent pupil support.
• Recording observations and contributing to pupil progress reviews where required.

Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant requirements or skills:

• A minimum 2:2 degree achieved within the last three years in any subject.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEND and an interest in pursuing a career within education or child development.
• Previous experience working with children or young people through schools, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, youth work, care, or voluntary roles is beneficial but not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• A caring, patient, and adaptable approach, alongside a willingness to develop professionally.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a school team while responding to the varying needs of individual pupils.

Benefits:

• Competitive daily rates with opportunities to secure permanent roles within schools.
• Fast registration and streamlined compliance process – APSCo Compliance+ accredited, ensuring the highest standards in safer recruitment.
• Long-term placement opportunities across specialist schools in Darlington.
• Personalised school matches based on your experience, strengths, and long-term career goals.
• Access to our Priority Partnership schools, offering excellent graduate development pathways.
• Free CPD before your placement, including Safeguarding, SEND, and Behaviour Management training, with additional accredited courses available through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources created by experienced education professionals.
• FREE wellbeing resources and access to our online educator community.
• School Preparation Packs containing key school information and handover notes before your placement begins.
• Ongoing guidance and support from your dedicated Milk Education consultant throughout your assignment.

This position is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will reflect your qualifications, relevant experience, and the specific requirements of the placement.

Interested?

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application or contact us for an informal discussion about the role.

Phone:
01642 983001

Email:
anna.wilson@milk-education.co.uk

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As an APSCo Compliance+ accredited agency, we adhere to the highest standards of safer recruitment. All successful applicants will be subject to compliance and vetting checks in accordance with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidance.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.