Behaviour specialist/ALN Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Pontypridd; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Long-term placement

Holiday pay throughout the year

CPD e-learning with certification

Support from education consultant

Referral bonus

Job summary

Aspire People are recruiting a Behaviour Specialist Teaching Assistant to work in a dedicated behaviour unit at a Rhondda Cynon Taf secondary school. You will support pupils with challenging behaviours and SEMH needs while fostering engagement and positive learning habits.

The role focuses on 1:1 and small-group support, using behaviour management and emotional regulation to help learners re-engage with education. EWC registration is preferred or willingness to obtain it.

Qualifications

• Experience in behaviour units, PRUs or SEMH/ALN provisions is desirable.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support within the behaviour unit.
• Develop positive, trusted relationships with pupils who can be difficult to engage.
• Apply behaviour management, de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies.
• Help pupils manage behaviour and make positive choices.
• Support academic work and adapt teaching approaches to individual needs.
• Follow individual behaviour plans and school policies consistently.
• Collaborate with teaching, pastoral and ALN staff.
• Contribute to a calm, structured and positive learning environment.

Skills

Behaviour management

De-escalation

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Engagement with pupils

Education

EWC registration

Job description

Behaviour Specialist Teaching Assistant - Secondary Behaviour Unit

Cardiff | £16.11 - £18.11 per hour | Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity

Are you calm under pressure, confident managing challenging behaviour and passionate about helping young people re-engage with education?

Aspire People are recruiting a Behaviour Specialist Teaching Assistant to work within a dedicated behaviour unit in a secondary school in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building positive relationships with young people and can provide the firm, consistent and supportive approach pupils need to succeed.

The Role

You will work closely with pupils who may display challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, emotional regulation difficulties or barriers to learning, supporting them both academically and pastorally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support within the behaviour unit
• Building positive, trusted relationships with pupils who can be difficult to engage
• Using effective behaviour management, de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies
• Supporting pupils to manage their behaviour and make positive choices
• Helping learners re-engage with their education and classroom expectations
• Supporting academic work and adapting your approach to individual needs
• Following individual behaviour plans and school policies consistently
• Working closely with teaching, pastoral and ALN staff
• Helping to create a calm, structured and positive environment

What We're Looking For

We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience in behaviour units, PRUs, SEMH/ALN provisions, youth work, mentoring, support work or secondary schools.

You will ideally have:

• Experience supporting young people with challenging or complex behaviour
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
• Confidence working with secondary-aged pupils
• A calm, resilient and consistent approach
• The ability to establish clear boundaries while maintaining positive relationships
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to education
• Education Workforce Council (EWC) registration, or willingness to obtain it, will be required, in line with Aspire People's usual Cardiff requirements.

Why Work with Aspire People?

• Competitive pay of £16.11 - £18.11 per hour
• Long-term opportunity within a Rhondda Cynon Taf secondary school
• Holiday pay that you can take at any point throughout the year
• Access to free CPD e-learning courses with certification, including safeguarding and behaviour management training
• Support from a dedicated education consultant throughout your placement
• Referral bonus of up to £250, with £100 available for successful Teaching Assistant referrals once they have worked 20 days.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.