Pastoral Support Assistant – Darlington

Milk Education is working with a number of welcoming and supportive Primary Schools across Darlington and the surrounding areas and is looking to recruit caring, approachable, and dedicated Pastoral Support Assistants to join schools from September 2026.

Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant or have a background in pastoral support, youth work, mentoring, care, family support, or working with children and young people, we'd love to hear from you. We have a range of long-term and full-time opportunities available, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

You'll play a vital role in supporting pupils' wider wellbeing and development, helping children overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships, manage their emotions, and feel confident and safe within the school environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral support to pupils across the Primary age range.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support pupils with their emotional and social development.
• Help pupils develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Provide support to pupils experiencing barriers to learning.
• Encourage positive behaviour and relationships.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and wellbeing.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, safeguarding staff, and the wider school team.
• Support individual and small-group pastoral interventions.
• Communicate appropriately with staff and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate records of support and pupil progress.
• Promote safeguarding and pupil wellbeing at all times.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working with children or young people is desirable.
• Experience in pastoral support, mentoring, education, care, youth work, or family support is advantageous.
• A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
• Confident supporting children with emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding.
• Resilient and adaptable approach.
• Passion for supporting children's wellbeing and development.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply).

What Milk Education Offers

• Competitive weekly pay of £538.55 – £575.00 per week.
• Opportunities across Darlington and surrounding areas.
• Long-term opportunities with the potential to become permanent.
• Fast-track registration and compliance process.
• Five-star rated education agency with strong local school partnerships.
• Access to our Perks Portal with discounts and exclusive offers.
• Over 1,000 free and discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy.
• Free PSHE lesson plans and teaching resources.
• Educator wellbeing support and wellbeing hub access.
• School Preparation Pack.
• Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Apply Today

If you're looking for your next Pastoral Support Assistant opportunity in Darlington and want to make a genuine difference to children's wellbeing, confidence, and education, we'd love to hear from you.

Chris Shaw
📞 01642 983001
✉️ chris.shaw@milk-education.co.uk

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and compliance checks in line with the DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and APSCo standards.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.