Behaviour Support Assistant

Vision for Education - Cardiff; Abergavenny; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational support agency in Abergavenny seeks a Behavioural Support Teaching Assistant to provide personalized support for KS2 and secondary pupils. The role involves fostering emotional well-being, employing de-escalation techniques, and building trusting relationships to help students engage with their learning. Candidates should be calm, resilient, and proactive, with relevant experience in education or related fields. Full training is provided for those without direct experience. This position offers long-term career opportunities in educational support.

Qualifications

• Experience working 1:1 with primary and/or secondary aged pupils.
• Understanding of the primary and/or secondary curriculum.
• Willingness to register with the EWC.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 behavioural and emotional support to pupils.
• Building a strong relationship with students.
• Using de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour strategies.

Skills

Experience supporting KS2 or secondary pupils with challenging behaviour or SEMH needs

Calm, empathetic and proactive approach

Ability to remain patient and composed under pressure

Education

Registration with the Education Workforce Council (EWC)

Team Teach qualification or similar

Job description

Teaching Assistant - Behavioural Support - Abergavenny

Vision for Education are actively recruiting a Behavioural Support Teaching Assistant to work in the Abergavenny area, supporting KS2 and secondary aged pupils, with an initial focus on 1:1 support.

We work closely with a pupil referral provision that supports pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties across both primary and secondary phases. This role focuses on delivering consistent, personalised 1:1 behavioural and emotional support to pupils who require additional guidance to access learning successfully.

Many of the pupils supported face significant challenges outside of education. For these children and young people, school can provide a vital sense of stability, safety and routine. As a Teaching Assistant, your role will be key in helping pupils feel supported, understood and encouraged to engage positively with learning.

The school is seeking a calm, resilient and nurturing Behavioural Support Teaching Assistant who can build strong, trusting relationships and confidently support the de‑escalation of challenging behaviour. When a pupil becomes dysregulated, you will guide them to a calm space, support emotional regulation strategies and help them reintegrate into learning when they are ready. A patient, proactive and solution‑focused approach is essential.

A Team Teach qualification or similar behaviour management training would be advantageous, however this is not essential as full training can be provided.

What will the role involve?

• Providing 1:1 behavioural and emotional support to KS2 and secondary aged pupils
• Building a strong, consistent and trusting relationship
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour choices
• Using de‑escalation techniques and positive behaviour strategies
• Working closely with the class teacher and wider support team
• Encouraging engagement, confidence and participation in learning
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and positive social interaction
• Remaining resilient and adaptable in challenging situations

Ideal candidate will have one or more of the following

• Experience supporting KS2 or secondary pupils with challenging behaviour or SEMH needs
• Experience working 1:1 with primary and/or secondary aged pupils
• A Team Teach, PROACT‑SCIP or MAPA qualification (desirable, not essential)
• A calm, empathetic and proactive approach
• The ability to remain patient and composed under pressure
• An understanding of the primary and/or secondary curriculum
• Registration with the Education Workforce Council (EWC), or willingness to register

The school regularly offers permanent opportunities to Teaching Assistants who demonstrate commitment, reliability and a genuine passion for pupil wellbeing. This role is an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking a long‑term career in education, behavioural support or child development.

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in support work, care, youth work, sports coaching or education. If you feel your skills are transferable but you do not yet have direct school experience, you are still encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply, please contact Chris or submit your CV for consideration.

We look forward to hearing from you.