Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND Secondary School – Blyth

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support throughout your career.

We’re currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a Specialist SEND Secondary School in Blyth on a long-term, short-term, or temp-to-perm basis, starting in September.

You'll be joining a specialist secondary setting that provides high-quality education and tailored support for young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), ADHD, and communication and interaction needs. The school is committed to creating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where every student is encouraged to develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need for life beyond education.

This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant who wants to make a meaningful difference. Whether you're an experienced SEND practitioner or looking to build your career within specialist education, you'll become part of a dedicated team that values patience, consistency, and strong relationships with young people.

Working closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff, you'll play an important role in helping students overcome barriers to learning while celebrating every achievement—big or small.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for students with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Supporting students with their academic learning, communication, emotional regulation, social development, and independence throughout the school day.
• Implementing individual education plans (IEPs), behaviour support strategies, and personalised learning programmes.
• Working alongside teachers and wider professionals to adapt lessons and resources to meet individual learning needs.
• Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques to support students in achieving successful outcomes.
• Encouraging engagement, confidence, and resilience while promoting positive relationships and independence.
• Creating a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels respected, understood, and able to succeed.

Requirements or Skills:

• Recent experience working within a school, specialist provision, alternative provision, or SEND environment is desirable.
• Experience supporting young people with Autism (ASC), SEMH, ADHD, learning difficulties, or communication needs is highly desirable.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching & Learning, Childcare, Education, Health & Social Care, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience.
• A calm, patient, resilient, and empathetic approach to supporting young people with complex additional needs.
• Confidence working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and other professionals.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm opportunities available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and match you with schools that suit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools working with us on long-term staffing, enrichment, and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour), plus ongoing accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources, designed by experienced teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff create the greatest impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and helpful school guides, ensuring you're ready from your first day.
• Dedicated 24/7 support from your personal consultant via their work mobile throughout your placement.

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.

Interested? Click 'Apply Now'.

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.