PRS SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Rochdale
Start Date: ASAP
Agency: Teaching Personnel

Do you have the patience, resilience, and dedication to support young people facing barriers to education?

Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting a compassionate and committed Teaching Assistant to join a dynamic and supportive Pupil Referral Service (PRS) in Rochdale. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference in the lives of young people who require a more personalised and nurturing approach to learning.

About the Setting

This PRU provides education for pupils aged 5–16 who are unable to thrive in mainstream school settings. Many students have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, additional learning difficulties, or have experienced complex personal and educational challenges.

The provision offers a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment, supporting pupils to rebuild confidence, develop trust, and gain the essential skills needed for both learning and life.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils’ academic progress, emotional development, and behavioural growth. Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, and external professionals, you will help deliver tailored support strategies that promote engagement, emotional regulation, and positive outcomes.

This role is ideal for someone who remains calm, patient, and consistent, and is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH and SEN needs
• Build positive and trusting relationships to boost engagement and attendance
• Support emotional regulation using effective de-escalation strategies
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual education and behaviour plans
• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive decision-making
• Support behaviour management through trauma-informed and restorative approaches
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and well-structured learning environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and external agencies
• Record progress and contribute to individual support planning

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Calm, confident, and resilient when managing challenging behaviour
• Passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries with a consistent and caring approach
• Available full-time and committed to a long-term role

Desirable:

• Team Teach trained or willing to complete training
• Experience in a PRS, SEMH setting, SEN school, or youth work environment
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or behaviour management strategies

Apply Now

If you are seeking a meaningful and impactful role where you can truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through Teaching Personnel or submit your CV to take the next step in this rewarding 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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