Behaviour Support Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision (Secondary)

Location: Liverpool
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you a compassionate, resilient individual looking for a meaningful new challenge? Do you have experience supporting young people who have struggled in mainstream education? An Alternative Provision school in Liverpool is seeking a skilled and committed Teaching Assistant to join their team, offering dedicated support to secondary students with a range of additional needs, including those who may display challenging behaviours.

The school provides a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every student is given the opportunity to re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 support to students who have experienced difficulty in mainstream settings, helping them stay focused, motivated, and on track.
• Draw upon experience in PRU or similar environments to effectively manage and respond to challenging behaviours.
• Apply trauma-informed practices to support students with empathy, patience, and understanding.
• Calmly and professionally de-escalate challenging situations, maintaining a safe learning environment for all.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, creating a sense of safety and belonging.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and external professionals to provide consistent and holistic support.
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of personalised learning plans tailored to each student’s needs and goals.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience supporting secondary-age students in PRU settings, Alternative Provisions, or similar behaviour-focused environments.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with behavioural difficulties, trauma, or disrupted educational backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to adapt to different needs and situations.
• Resilience, emotional maturity, and a positive attitude when working under pressure.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be calm, patient, and confident in high‑pressure situations. Supporting students with complex backgrounds can be deeply rewarding, but also demanding — trust must be built over time, and consistency is key. The school is seeking someone with a strong understanding of trauma, a genuine commitment to helping young people succeed, and the ability to guide students towards achieving their full potential.