Behaviour Support Assistant (SEN / SEMH) – Sports Coach Backgrounds Welcome
Bristol | Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Roles
Immediate Starts | Training & Career Progression
Are you a sports coach or activity leader looking to use your skills in a more meaningful, long-term role working with young people?
We are recruiting Behaviour Support Assistants to work across SEN and SEMH schools in Bristol, supporting pupils who require structure, consistency and positive role models to succeed in education.
If you have experience coaching, mentoring or leading young people, your ability to build relationships, set boundaries and motivate individuals is highly transferable to these roles.
The Role
As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will support students both in and out of the classroom, helping them to engage with learning and manage their behaviour in a structured school environment.
You will work with pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, supporting emotional regulation, routines and positive engagement throughout the school day.
Pupils you support may have:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Autism (ASC), ADHD or communication differences
- Behavioural challenges or difficulty engaging in school
- Anxiety, low confidence or attachment needs
Some pupils may present behaviours that challenge, so a calm, confident and consistent approach is essential.
Why Sports Coaches Excel in This Role
Your experience in sports and coaching directly supports success in SEN settings. You will use your skills to:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Set clear expectations and promote positive behaviour
- Encourage teamwork, resilience and confidence
- Motivate disengaged students through structured activities
- Act as a positive role model for behaviour and attitude
These roles value practical experience and mindset over formal qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups
- Use behaviour strategies to help students stay engaged
- Build positive, consistent relationships with pupils
- Support emotional regulation and conflict resolution
- Work alongside teachers and pastoral/behaviour teams
- Help maintain a structured, calm and safe environment
Who This Role Is Suitable For
We are particularly looking for:
- Sports coaches (football, rugby, gym, fitness, etc.)
- PE coaches, activity instructors, or team leaders
- Individuals with experience working with young people in group settings
- Candidates confident managing behaviour and setting boundaries
You will be well suited if you:
- Are energetic, resilient and confident
- Can stay calm under pressure
- Have strong communication and leadership skills
- Want to move into a long-term, structured career
Training & Career Progression
This role offers a clear pathway into education and behaviour support:
- SEN and behaviour management training
- CPD including de-escalation and safeguarding
- Experience working alongside SEN specialists and behaviour leads
- Opportunities to progress into:
- Behaviour Mentor roles
- Pastoral or inclusion roles
- Teaching Assistant or HLTA positions
What You Will Receive
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Long-term, consistent placements
- Supportive school environments and staff teams
- Dedicated consultant support throughout
- Opportunity to secure permanent roles
Why Apply?
- Use your coaching skills in a more impactful setting
- Build a long-term career supporting young people
- Work in structured environments with clear expectations
- Make a genuine difference to students who need positive role models
Apply Now – Behaviour Support Assistant (Bristol)
Apply now to be considered for immediate opportunities across Bristol SEN and SEMH schools.
Interviews and trial days are available.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
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