Behaviour Mentor

Balfor Recruitment; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay

Job summary

Balfor Recruitment is seeking a dedicated Behaviour Mentor to support pupils with SEMH needs in Chesterfield. You will provide behaviour mentoring, pastoral support, and classroom-based assistance to help pupils re-engage with learning.

The role is full-time, ongoing from September 2026, with competitive daily pay and opportunities to work across Primary and Secondary settings within an all-through school.

Qualifications

• Experience as Behaviour Mentor or SEMH teaching assistant essential.
• Experience with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Experience in AP/PRU or specialist education settings.
• Level 2/3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning desirable; degree helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour.
• Support emotional regulation, resilience and social development.
• Help pupils manage emotions and develop strategies to regulate behaviour.
• Assist teachers with adapting lessons and materials to meet needs.
• Contribute to IEPs, BSPs and risk assessments.
• Build positive relationships as a trusted adult with pupils.

Skills

Behaviour mentoring

Pastoral support

1:1 support

De-escalation techniques

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching

Degree in Psychology or Education

Job description

Behaviour Mentor

Job Role: Behaviour Mentor
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Duration: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £95–£100 Per Day

Behaviour Mentor

Are you an experienced Behaviour Mentor looking for your next opportunity in Chesterfield? Do you have experience supporting children and young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or within Alternative Provision (AP), PRU or specialist education settings?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for a dedicated Behaviour Mentor / Specialist Teaching Assistant to join an all-through school in Chesterfield from September 2026. This is a full-time, ongoing position supporting pupils across both Primary and Secondary phases.

The successful candidate will provide a combination of behaviour mentoring, pastoral support and classroom-based Teaching Assistant support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and successfully engage with their education.

This role would be particularly suited to an experienced Behaviour Mentor, SEMH Teaching Assistant, PRU Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant or Specialist Teaching Assistant who is confident managing challenging behaviour and building positive relationships with young people.

The School & Role

The school provides specialist education programmes for pupils who are at risk of exclusion or have previously been permanently excluded from mainstream education.

The school’s key focus is helping pupils re-engage with education, develop positive behaviours and build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed. Where appropriate, pupils are supported to return to mainstream education or successfully transition to their next educational or career destination.

As a Behaviour Mentor, you will work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to provide consistent support to pupils who may experience SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties and barriers to learning.

You will support students both inside and outside the classroom, acting as a trusted adult and helping them develop positive behaviours, social skills, emotional resilience and the confidence to engage with education.

Behaviour Mentor Responsibilities

As a Behaviour Mentor / Specialist Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, resilience and positive social development.
• Helping pupils manage their emotions and develop strategies to regulate their behaviour.
• Supporting pupils to overcome barriers to learning and re-engage positively with education.
• Assisting teachers with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult and developing strong, positive relationships with pupils.
• Providing consistent emotional, pastoral and behavioural support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, behaviour and engagement.
• Providing feedback to teachers, pastoral staff and relevant professionals.
• Managing challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families and external professionals where appropriate.
• Supporting pupils in developing the confidence, resilience and life skills required for their next steps.

Behaviour Mentor Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Behaviour Mentor, SEMH Teaching Assistant, PRU Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker or Specialist Teaching Assistant – Essential.
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Previous experience within Alternative Provision (AP), PRU, SEMH or specialist education settings.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent qualification, is desirable.
• A degree in Psychology, Education or a related subject would be advantageous.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting young people.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience when supporting pupils with a range of needs.
• Excellent communication skills when working with pupils, teachers, families and external professionals.
• A genuine passion for behaviour support, SEMH education and helping young people achieve their potential.

What You’ll Get in Return

As a Behaviour Mentor working with Balfor Recruitment, you will receive:

• Competitive daily pay of £95–£100 per day.
• A full-time, ongoing opportunity from September 2026.
• The opportunity to work with both Primary and Secondary pupils.
• Valuable experience within an Alternative Provision and specialist education setting.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives and education of young people.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant.
• Access to further Behaviour Mentor, Teaching Assistant and SEMH education roles across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.

We are committed to Safer Recruitment, and all appointments are subject to the required vetting procedures, including a DBS check where applicable.

Balfor Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.