Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant

About Us:

At Milk Education, we are passionate about helping graduates begin rewarding careers in education. We go beyond simply placing candidates in schools by offering ongoing guidance, high-quality professional development, and opportunities to gain valuable experience in specialist educational environments. We are currently recruiting motivated Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistants to join a range of welcoming specialist schools across Darlington on long-term placements starting in September 2026.

This position is ideal for graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, or other professions focused on supporting children and young people. Our partner schools are dedicated to providing inclusive, nurturing environments where pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant main responsibilities will include:

• Providing individual and small-group support for pupils with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Assisting learners with Autism (ASD), ADHD, speech and language needs, moderate learning difficulties, and other additional support requirements.

• Working alongside classroom teachers to deliver engaging, appropriately adapted learning activities.

• Supporting the delivery of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and tailored learning programmes.

• Building positive, supportive relationships that encourage pupil confidence, engagement, and independence.

• Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and encouraging classroom environment where every child can succeed.

• Supporting pupils’ communication, emotional wellbeing, social development, and everyday life skills.

• Encouraging positive behaviour by following school procedures and implementing agreed behaviour strategies.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, families, carers, and external professionals to ensure consistent support for pupils.

• Recording observations and assisting with monitoring pupil progress where appropriate.

Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant requirements or skills:

• A minimum 2:2 degree obtained within the last three years in any subject.

• A genuine enthusiasm for supporting children and young people with SEND and an interest in developing a career within education or child development.

• Previous experience working with children or young people through schools, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, youth work, care settings, or voluntary roles is desirable but not essential.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships.

• A patient, caring, and flexible approach together with a willingness to learn and develop professionally.

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a school team while adapting to the individual needs of pupils.

Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant Benefits:

• Competitive daily pay rates with opportunities to progress into permanent school-based roles.

• A quick and efficient registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safer recruitment standards.

• Long-term placement opportunities within specialist schools across Darlington.

• Carefully matched placements based on your experience, strengths, and future career ambitions.

• Access to our Priority Partnership schools, providing excellent graduate development opportunities.

• Free CPD before starting your placement, including Safeguarding, SEND, and Behaviour Management training, alongside additional accredited courses through Milk Academy.

• Complimentary PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources created by experienced education professionals.

• Free wellbeing resources and access to our online educator community.

• School Preparation Packs containing key information and handover notes before your placement begins.

• Ongoing support and advice from your dedicated Milk Education consultant throughout your placement.

This role is paid within the advertised salary range. Your starting rate will depend on your qualifications, relevant experience, and the specific requirements of your placement.

Interested?

Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application, or get in touch for an informal conversation about the opportunity.

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Email:
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Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As an APSCo Compliance+ accredited agency, we follow the highest standards of safer recruitment. All successful applicants will be subject to the appropriate compliance and pre-employment checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo requirements.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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