Behaviour specialist TA needed in January 2026. Job in Bedford Education & Training Jobs

Aspire People; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational agency is seeking a resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant to support teenagers at a Pupil Referral Unit in Bedford. The role involves building trust and providing structured support for young people with emotional and behavioural needs. The ideal candidate should have NVQ Level 2 qualifications and experience in similar settings. Offering flexible working options and competitive weekly pay, this position provides a meaningful opportunity to impact young lives positively.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Competitive weekly pay

Dedicated consultant support

Opportunities for long-term placements

Qualifications

• Substantial experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Experience working with teenagers facing school exclusion or complex emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide steady, structured support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Build trusting relationships through patience and positive role‑modelling.
• Support with behaviour regulation and restorative conversations.
• Help create a calm, safe learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to meet individual needs.

Skills

Calm, firm, and compassionate approach

Strong communication skills

Resilience to manage challenging situations

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Teaching Assistant support

Job description

SEND / PRU Teaching Assistant - Bedford

Pay: 95 - 110 per day Full‑time Start: ASAP

Role: Teaching Assistant (NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience)

Are you motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who need it most? A supportive Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Bedford is seeking a resilient, compassionate, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join their team. This role involves supporting teenagers who have faced significant barriers to learning, including behavioural challenges, social and emotional needs, and difficult or complex backgrounds.

This is a role where relationship‑building, consistency, and empathy truly change lives.

About the Role

You will work closely with young people aged 11‑16 who require a tailored, highly supportive environment to re‑engage with learning. The focus is on helping pupils develop emotional regulation, rebuild confidence, and make positive choices, while also supporting them academically. Every day is different, and every interaction has purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide steady, structured support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Build trusting relationships through patience, reliability, and positive role‑modelling
• Support with behaviour regulation, de‑escalation, and restorative conversations
• Help create a calm, safe learning environment where students feel respected and understood
• Work collaboratively with teachers, mentors, and pastoral staff to meet each pupil's individual needs

What We're Looking For

• NVQ Level 2 in Teaching Assistant support or substantial experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
• Experience working with teenagers who have faced school exclusion, challenging home situations, or complex emotional needs
• A calm, firm, and compassionate approach
• Strong communication skills and the resilience to manage challenging situations
• A genuine belief that every young person deserves a fresh start and the chance to succeed

Why Work with Aspire People

• Flexible working options
• Competitive weekly pay
• A dedicated consultant supported by an experienced team
• Opportunities for long‑term or permanent placements within PRU and SEMH settings

If you're ready to support young people who need stability, encouragement, and a positive role model, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply today or contact our team on (phone number removed) for more information.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expect all candidates to share this commitment. All placements are subject to Child Protection screening, including DBS and employment history checks.