CALM, CONNECT & EMPOWER – Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant | Durham

CALM, CONNECT & EMPOWER – Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant | Durham

Durham | September 2026 | Specialist SEND / Primary Setting | Full-Time

Be the Calm in Their Day – Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant | Durham

Do you understand that behaviour is communication? Could you help children feel safe, understood and ready to learn?

Milk Education is looking for a Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant with Team Teach experience to join a supportive school in Durham.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced education, care or support professional who understands the importance of relationships, regulation and consistency when working with children who may have experienced adversity or significant barriers to learning.

You’ll play an important role in helping pupils feel safe, valued and supported, while working closely with teachers and specialist staff to create a positive learning environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building safe, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils.
• Using trauma-informed approaches to understand behaviour and individual needs.
• Supporting emotional regulation, resilience and positive engagement.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Helping pupils access learning and develop independence.
• Using calm, clear and consistent communication.
• Recognising triggers and supporting pupils before situations escalate.
• Using Team Teach strategies appropriately and in line with school policy.
• Supporting classroom learning and personalised activities.
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams and specialist staff.
• Celebrating progress and helping pupils recognise their own achievements.

We’re Looking For Someone Who…

• Has experience using trauma-informed approaches with children or young people.
• Holds Team Teach training/experience — essential or highly desirable depending on the school.
• Is calm, patient and emotionally resilient.
• Understands that behaviour can be a form of communication.
• Can remain composed and professional during challenging situations.
• Has experience in SEND, education, care, youth work, SEMH or similar settings.
• Can build positive relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Is confident working 1:1 and as part of a wider team.
• Is passionate about helping children feel safe, supported and successful.

Why This Role Matters

For some children, feeling safe has to come before learning can happen.

Your calm approach could help a pupil regulate.

Your consistency could help them build trust.

Your encouragement could help them try again.

And your understanding could completely change how they experience school.

You don’t just manage behaviour — you help children understand that they are safe enough to learn.

Why Milk Education?

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• FREE CPD training.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources.
• Educator Wellbeing support.
• School Preparation Pack.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities.

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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Send your CV to Bethany:

[email removed]

Durham – DH1 1AA

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.