Pupil Referral Unit Teaching Assistant

PRU Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision (Full Time)

Location: Manchester
Employer: Teaching Personnel
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: ASAP

Teaching Personnel are recruiting a dedicated Teaching Assistant to work within a Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) supporting children who are temporarily or permanently excluded from mainstream education. This specialist provision offers a structured, nurturing environment for pupils who require targeted behavioural, emotional and academic support to re‑engage with learning.

The setting supports pupils with SEMH needs such as challenging behaviour, anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, and additional learning needs. Many learners have experienced disrupted education and benefit from small class sizes, strong routines, and consistent adult relationships.

The Role:

As a PRU Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in helping pupils stabilise, rebuild confidence, and make progress both academically and emotionally. Responsibilities include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Supporting pupils to regulate emotions and behaviour using trauma‑informed and restorative approaches.
• Assisting with differentiated learning activities and intervention sessions.
• Implementing behaviour support plans and contributing to individual reintegration strategies.
• Supporting pupils during transitions, unstructured times, and off‑site or vocational activities.
• Building positive, consistent relationships to promote trust, engagement, and attendance.
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and external agencies.
• Recording behaviour, progress and safeguarding concerns accurately and professionally.

Requirements:

• Full-time availability is essential (Monday–Friday).
• Experience working with young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, youth work, care or alternative provision is highly desirable.
• A calm, resilient and reflective approach to behaviour support.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain clear boundaries.
• A genuine commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable pupils.
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply through Teaching Personnel.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Access to free CPD and specialist training, including behaviour management, SEMH awareness, safeguarding and de‑escalation strategies.
• A dedicated team who understands PRU and alternative provision settings.
• A trusted education recruitment agency with extensive experience in SEND and alternative education.

If you are passionate about supporting young people who need a second chance and thrive in a role where relationships truly matter, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Apply today through Teaching Personnel to begin your role in alternative education

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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