We are currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) that supports young people who have been unable to thrive in mainstream education.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students who present with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour, and complex backgrounds. The setting provides structured, therapeutic support alongside education, helping students re-engage with learning and build positive futures.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff to support students both in and out of the classroom. You will play a vital role in promoting engagement, maintaining high expectations, and helping students develop the skills needed to manage their behaviour and succeed academically.
You will support learning across the secondary age range, provide targeted intervention where required, and help create a safe, consistent and nurturing environment.
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour
- Remains calm, patient and resilient under pressure
- Can build strong, professional relationships based on trust and respect
- Understands behaviour as communication and responds in a restorative, solution-focused way
- Is confident implementing behaviour management strategies consistently
- Has excellent emotional regulation and strong boundaries
- Is adaptable, proactive and able to think on their feet
- Works effectively as part of a team
Experience within a PRU, alternative provision, youth work, SEMH setting or similar environment is essential for this work.
What Makes This Role Different
Working in a PRU requires a strong presence, emotional intelligence and the ability to see beyond behaviour. Students may have experienced trauma, exclusion or disrupted education. Progress can look different here - it may be improved attendance, better emotional control, or re-engagement with learning.
In return, the setting offers a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to have a genuine impact on young people who need consistency and belief from the adults around them.
If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and have the resilience and commitment required to thrive in a challenging but highly rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.
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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