Trauma Informed School Support Assistant

Salary/ Rate: £92-£105 per day

Location: Gateshead 

Milk Education have the opportunity to work with a Primary School based in Gateshead who are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and supported. We understand that trauma can affect a child's ability to learn and thrive in school, and we take a trauma-informed approach to ensure that all students have the emotional, social, and educational support they need to succeed. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Trauma-Informed Support Assistant to join our school community and help us provide individualised support to students who have experienced trauma.

Job Overview:

The Trauma-Informed Support Assistant will work closely with children who may be struggling with the effects of trauma, offering emotional and practical support to help them navigate school life. This role involves working alongside teachers, support staff, and external professionals to create a trauma-sensitive, supportive classroom environment. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of trauma's impact on children and be passionate about fostering resilience and well-being in young learners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students who have experienced trauma, ensuring they feel safe, heard, and understood.
• Assist with implementing individualized support plans that address the emotional, social, and academic needs of students affected by trauma.
• Support teachers in creating trauma-sensitive classroom environments that promote healing and learning.
• Help children develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills to improve their engagement and well-being at school.
• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and outside support agencies to ensure coordinated care for students.
• Observe and document student progress, identifying signs of emotional or behavioral challenges related to trauma and sharing observations with the appropriate team members.
• Assist in delivering targeted interventions, including social-emotional learning activities, mindfulness exercises, and resilience-building techniques.
• Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to enhance knowledge of trauma-informed practices and contribute to a collaborative approach to student support.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding policies and practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of trauma and its effects on children, particularly in the context of education and development.
• Previous experience working with children, ideally in a school setting or in support roles such as teaching assistant, youth work, or counseling.
• A compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting children, with the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Ability to recognize and respond to signs of trauma in children, while providing a safe and supportive space for them to express themselves.
• Knowledge of and commitment to trauma-informed care principles and best practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and external professionals.
• Organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• A relevant qualification in education, social work, child psychology, or a related field is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience with or an interest in implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) programs or other resilience-building interventions is a plus.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to .