At Milk Education, we're more than a supply partner – we're a community that supports people who are passionate about making a difference. Join us and gain access to ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and dedicated support throughout your career.

We're currently recruiting for a Mental Health & Behaviour Support Buddy to work within a supportive Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Newcastle on a long-term basis, starting in September. This role is available on a temporary, permanent or temp-to-perm basis.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people who have experienced barriers to mainstream education. You'll play a key role in helping students develop positive relationships, regulate their emotions, improve behaviour, and re-engage with learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

You'll be joining a dedicated and experienced staff team that is committed to trauma-informed practice, inclusion and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.

This role is ideal for graduates or experienced support staff considering careers in education, educational psychology, youth work, social work, mental health services, counselling or criminal justice.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Building positive, trusting relationships with students who may present with social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Providing one-to-one and small group mentoring to promote emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive behaviour.
• Supporting students to regulate emotions using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Helping to de-escalate challenging situations while maintaining a calm, consistent and supportive presence.
• Encouraging engagement in learning by supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams and external professionals to implement individual behaviour and support plans.
• Promoting positive behaviour, emotional regulation and personal development through consistent encouragement and clear expectations.
• Acting as a positive role model, helping students develop confidence, self-esteem and independence.
• Recording and reporting student progress, behaviour and wellbeing to support effective interventions.

Requirements or Skills:

• A degree in Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Sociology, Criminology, Sports Science, Social Work or another related subject is desirable.
• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), behavioural needs or additional learning needs is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience gained through youth work, mentoring, coaching, residential care, sports coaching, tutoring or similar transferable roles is welcomed.
• A calm, resilient and patient approach, with the ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to achieve positive outcomes.
• Confidence working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with opportunities for permanent employment.
• Speedy registration process and fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment.
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and place you in schools that align with your values and strengths.
• Access to our Priority Partnership school network, working with trusted schools across the region.
• Five or more CPD courses completed before placement, including Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, Trauma-Informed Practice and SEND, with access to ongoing accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE wellbeing resources and access to our educator community hub.
• School preparation packs, handover notes and school guides to ensure you're ready from day one.
• Dedicated support from your own personal consultant, available directly via 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' to begin your journey with Milk Education and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people who need it most.

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 or 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.