Trauma-Informed Support Assistant
Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced adversity? Do you want to play a vital role in helping primary-age pupils re-engage with learning and build resilience? Milk Education is working in partnership with a nurturing primary provision in North Durham to appoint a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant to join their committed, relationship-focused team.
Trauma-Informed Support Assistant – About the School
This inclusive primary setting supports pupils with a range of social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), trauma histories, attachment needs, autism, and barriers to engagement. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education or challenges that impact their ability to feel safe, regulate their emotions, and access learning.
The school is deeply committed to being trauma-informed and offers:
- A predictable, safe, and supportive environment built on trust and consistency
- Strength-based teaching and individualised support that recognises pupils’ lived experiences
- Close collaboration with therapists, external agencies, and families
- A strong focus on emotional regulation, wellbeing, and life skills development
- A relational, restorative approach that celebrates each young person’s growth and identity
Joining this school means becoming part of a compassionate and skilled team dedicated to transforming pupils’ experiences of education
Trauma-Informed Support Assistant – Role Overview
Hours: September Start, 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday
As a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and SEN practitioners to support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, engagement in learning, and development of essential life skills.
This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and creating positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.
You will provide individualised, trauma-aware support throughout the school day, acting as a calm, consistent, and trusted adult for pupils who may struggle with confidence, emotional regulation, or engagement.
Trauma-Informed Support Assistant – Key Responsibilities
Trauma-Informed Pupil Support
- Build safe, trusting, and respectful relationships using trauma-informed approaches
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support focused on emotional regulation, resilience, and self-confidence
- Use co-regulation strategies, restorative conversations, and reflective practice to support emotional understanding
Improving Engagement in Learning
- Support pupils at risk of disengagement, school avoidance, or challenging behaviour
- Help pupils access learning by reducing barriers and encouraging participation
- Assist with transitions throughout the school day and maintain consistent routines
Wellbeing & Positive Behaviour
- Model calm, predictable behaviour and support pupils in developing regulation strategies
- Use de-escalation approaches and strength-based communication
- Observe, record, and share information relating to pupils’ progress, wellbeing, and behaviour
Supporting Future Development
- Help pupils develop communication, independence, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Encourage aspirations and support preparation for future pathways
- Promote confidence, resilience, and readiness for adulthood
Trauma-Informed Support Assistant – Essential Criteria
- Experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma, autism, or complex needs (school or care backgrounds welcome)
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and its impact on behaviour and learning
- A relevant qualification linking to working with children (desirable)
- Strong communication, teamwork, and reflective skills
- A calm, patient, and emotionally resilient approach
- A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable young people
- Must live locally to North Durham—no relocation
Benefits:
- Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
- Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
- Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
- Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
- Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
- 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
- FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
- School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
- 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.
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.
NEW123
Pay: £538.55-£575.00 per week
Work Location: In person
