Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant

Trauma‑Informed Teaching Assistant

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) – Carmarthen
Secondary‑aged learners | SEMH & Trauma‑Related Needs

Teaching Personnel (TP) are working in partnership with a specialist Pupil Referral Unit in Carmarthen to recruit a Trauma‑Informed Teaching Assistant. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting young people who have experienced significant trauma and who no longer have access to mainstream education.

The pupils you will support are of secondary school age and present with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often displaying behaviours that are a direct response to adverse childhood experiences. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding role where relationships, consistency and emotional safety are at the heart of every day.

The Role: Trauma‑Informed Teaching Assistant

As a Trauma‑Informed TA, you will work closely with teaching staff and wider professionals to support pupils both academically and emotionally, helping them to re‑engage with learning and develop the skills they need to succeed beyond the PRU setting.

You will play a vital role in:

• Creating a safe, predictable and nurturing environment
• Supporting pupils to manage emotions and behaviour
• Promoting engagement, independence, and self‑confidence
• Being a consistent, trusted adult in a child’s day

What a Typical Day Might Look Like

No two days are the same in a PRU, but your day is likely to include:

• Morning check‑ins with pupils to support emotional regulation and readiness to learn
• Supporting learning activities in small groups or on a 1:1 basis across a range of subjects
• Adapting tasks to meet individual needs and interests, helping pupils experience success
• Encouraging engagement in learning, even when motivation is low or behaviour is challenging
• Using trauma‑informed strategies to de‑escalate situations and support emotional wellbeing
• Assisting with practical, creative or vocational activities that promote confidence and life skills
• Supporting pupils during community‑based learning, such as visits, outdoor learning or real‑world activities
• Building positive relationships through conversations, structured activities and consistent boundaries
• Working collaboratively with teachers, behaviour specialists and pastoral staff
• Ending the day with reflection, regulation strategies and preparation for the next day

This role is ideal for someone who understands that behaviour is communication and who can remain calm, patient and empathetic in challenging situations.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must have:

• ✅ Enhanced DBS (Child Workforce) – or willingness to apply
• ✅ EWC Registration – or willingness to obtain
• ✅ Previous experience working with children, young people or adults with trauma backgrounds
• ✅ A strong interest in SEMH, behaviour support and trauma‑informed practice
• ✅ The ability to build trusting relationships and remain emotionally resilient

Desirable (but not essential):

• ⭐ THRIVE Training
• ⭐ Experience working in a PRU, alternative provision or specialist setting

Why Work with Teaching Personnel (TP)?

When you work through TP, you’re supported every step of the way:

• Exclusive access to our FREE CPD Academy, including:
  • ALN training
  • THRIVE awareness
  • SEN & behaviour management courses
• Highly discounted rates to gain a Team Teach Level 2 qualification
• Easy‑to‑navigate TP App for:
  • Diary management
  • Assignment details
  • Simple communication with your consultant
• Ongoing support from specialist education consultants who understand PRU and SEMH settings

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about trauma‑informed practice and want to play a meaningful role in helping young people re‑engage with education and the community, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to begin a rewarding journey supporting some of the most vulnerable learners in Carmarthen.