Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer – Teaching Assistant

Location: Slough

Are you passionate about advocating for vulnerable children and gaining hands-on experience in a restorative, child-centred environment?

Milk Education is excited to offer a unique opportunity for aspiring Criminal Justice Officers to work as a Teaching Assistant in an Alternative Provision and Specialist SEMH school in Reading. This role is perfect for those looking to build a strong foundation in Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) education while pursuing careers in Youth Justice, Criminal Justice, or Social Care.

About the Role: 

The school’s ethos, "Connect Before Content," prioritises building meaningful relationships with pupils as the cornerstone of their academic and emotional success. You will work closely with children aged 4-18 who face significant challenges, including ADHD, ADD, extreme anxiety, and complex social and emotional needs.

Your role will involve:

• Building trust and rapport with students to help them regulate their emotions and improve academic progress.
• Using restorative approaches to help children overcome barriers to learning and develop positive behaviours.
• Supporting children with personal challenges, such as low stress tolerance and severe anxiety, through empathy and care.
• Assisting in small classrooms of 4-12 students, tailoring support to individual needs.
• Helping students reintegrate into education and the wider community, empowering them to achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocate for children with SEMH needs, promoting their emotional and academic development.
• Build strong, restorative relationships to foster trust and engagement.
• Collaborate with therapists and school staff to deliver holistic, therapeutic interventions.
• Celebrate small successes and milestones, recognising the importance of every step forward.
• Support students in developing resilience and coping strategies in a safe, nurturing environment.

What We’re Looking For:

• Graduates in Criminology, Psychology, Youth and Community, or related fields (non-graduates with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply).
• A genuine passion for working with vulnerable children and advocating for their needs.
• A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach to addressing challenging behaviours.
• A strong commitment to restorative practices and building connections before academic content.
• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people (desirable but not essential – training provided).

Benefits to YOU:
- Excellent rates of pay!
- Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance.
- Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
- 5-Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google & Facebook!
- Exclusive school & trust partnerships.
- Access to our FREE Perks Portal – exclusive discounts (our version of the Blue Light Card).
- 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses via Milk Academy.
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
- FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook & access to our wellbeing hub.
- School Preparation Pack – be ready for your school placements!
- 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
- Our *Unbottled* division brings lived-experience speakers into schools.
- We’re located across England & North Wales with 9 offices!
- Join the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency!

Why choose Milk Education?
Milk Education is a purpose-driven teaching supply agency focused on putting educators first. We’re committed to finding high-quality teaching talent and supporting schools across the U.K.

We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to 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 and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy (available on our website).
Please note that Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

How to Apply:
To apply, please resond to this advert or email your CV to joe.harkin@milk-education.co.uk.

INGUIL