Full-Time Teaching Assistant (BESD Support) – Secondary School, Cardiff

Location: Cardiff
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Pay: £93 - £99 per day

Teaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming secondary school in Cardiff from September. The school provides secondary and post-16 education to over 1200 pupils in Cardiff. This is a full-time position supporting pupils with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD), with a particular focus on providing 1:1 support for a male Year 10 pupil with ADHD who requires additional assistance to manage his behaviour and engage positively with learning. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant or support worker who is passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people who face barriers to education.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Provide 1:1 support to a Year 10 pupil with ADHD.
• Build a positive and trusting relationship with the pupil to encourage engagement and progress.
• Support the pupil in managing behaviour, emotional regulation and social interactions.
• Work closely with teaching staff, the SENCO and pastoral teams to implement support strategies.
• Assist with classroom learning while promoting independence and confidence.
• Support other pupils with BESD needs as required across the school.
• Help create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for individuals who have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with BESD, ADHD or additional learning needs.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience working in secondary schools, alternative provisions, youth work settings, residential care or similar environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach.
• The ability to act as a positive role model for young people.

Desirable Qualifications & Training

The following would be advantageous:

• Team Teach Training
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Training
• ADHD Awareness Training
• Trauma-Informed Practice Training
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Training
• Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning Qualification
• Youth Work, Psychology, Criminology or Education-related qualifications

What Teaching Personnel Can Offer

• Competitive daily pay of £93 - £99 per day.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant.
• Access to free and discounted CPD courses.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent employment.
• Weekly pay through PAYE with no umbrella company deductions.

If you have the experience, resilience and passion required to support young people with additional behavioural needs and would like to make a genuine impact within a Cardiff secondary school, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your updated CV to be considered for this rewarding September opportunity.

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.
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