Behaviour Support Assistant

Connex - London; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay £99.86 per day

Temp-to-perm opportunity

Ongoing guidance and training

Professional development opportunities

Specialist SEN/SEMH experience

Job summary

Connex Education Partnership is recruiting a Behaviour Mentor for a welcoming primary school in Bury St Edmunds. You will support pupils with SEN and SEMH, helping them build confidence and social skills within a structured, nurturing environment.

The role offers an ASAP start, with a pathway to permanent employment and ongoing professional development through Connex Education.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Behaviour Mentor or similar support role is desirable.
• Experience with SEN/SEMH and challenging behaviour would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to primary pupils with SEN/SEMH needs.
• Support pupils with autism, ADHD and emotional regulation difficulties.
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies to boost engagement and reduce learning barriers.
• Help pupils develop emotional awareness, resilience, confidence and coping strategies.
• Support pupils during emotional distress using de-escalation and calming techniques.
• Build strong relationships with pupils to promote wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff to implement individual support plans.

Skills

Fluent in English

Job description

Behaviour Mentor

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk | Pay: £99.86 per day | Contract: Temp to Perm

Connex Education is working with a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk to recruit a dedicated Behaviour Mentor. This temp-to-perm role offers the chance to support primary pupils with SEN and SEMH needs, helping them build confidence, develop positive relationships and engage more successfully in learning.

Connex Education Offers

• Pay of £99.86 per day.
• Temp-to-perm opportunity within a supportive specialist school.
• Ongoing guidance and support from Connex Education.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• The opportunity to develop specialist experience supporting pupils with SEN, SEMH and challenging behaviour.

What’s on Offer

• A welcoming, inclusive and nurturing primary school environment.
• The opportunity to support children with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and behavioural difficulties.
• A supportive and experienced team focused on pupil wellbeing, emotional development and positive behaviour.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to children’s confidence, independence and social skills.
• An ASAP start for the right candidate, with the potential to secure a permanent position.

About the Role / Setting

The school provides a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment for primary-aged children with SEN and SEMH needs. Pupils may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, social interaction, behaviour and engagement in education.

As a Behaviour Mentor, you will support pupils both inside and outside the classroom, helping them manage emotions, develop positive coping strategies and build trusting relationships. You will work closely with teachers, SEN professionals and the wider pastoral team to provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support using positive behaviour approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to primary-aged pupils with SEN and SEMH needs.
• Support children with autism, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties and challenging behaviour.
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies to encourage engagement and reduce barriers to learning.
• Help pupils develop emotional awareness, resilience, confidence and appropriate coping strategies.
• Support pupils during periods of emotional distress using appropriate de-escalation and calming techniques.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Work alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff to implement individual behaviour and support plans.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Behaviour Mentor, SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker or Pastoral Support Worker is desirable.
• Experience supporting children with SEN, SEMH, autism, ADHD or challenging behaviour would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• A calm, patient, resilient and empathetic approach when supporting pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• Confidence supporting primary-aged children both inside and outside the classroom.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and relationship-building skills.
• Transferable experience in youth work, mentoring, care, sports coaching or residential support is welcomed.
• Fluent in English.
• Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Connex Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.