Behaviour Support Assistant

TeacherActive; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive Limited is recruiting a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11-16 in PRU and SEND settings in Cardiff. You will provide 1:1 support, assist with behaviour management and help deliver personalised learning programmes.

The role requires at least 6 months' experience with challenging young people, strong English, and the right to work in the UK. DBS check is preferred and references will be requested.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months' experience supporting challenging young people.
• Experience in PRUs, SEND settings, youth work or alternative education.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Right to work in the UK.
• A 5-year employment history with all gaps explained.
• Two years of references, including one from an education or care setting.
• Enhanced DBS (and overseas police checks if applicable).

Responsibilities

• 1:1 support and small-group interventions
• Behaviour management and de-escalation
• Building positive relationships with pupils who need consistency
• Supporting learning, emotional regulation and personalised programmes
• Maintaining a calm, structured and supportive environment

Skills

Youth work

SEMH

Challenging behaviour

Alternative provision

SEND classrooms

Job description

Do you have experience in youth work, looking for work as a Teaching assistant to work in alternative provision or Pupil referrals supporting young people with challenging behaviour and additional learning needs? We are working with a leading Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and several SEND/ALN schools to recruit confident, resilient, and passionate staff to support pupils aged 11-16 with a wide range of complex needs.

These roles suit candidates with experience in youth work, SEMH, challenging behaviour, alternative provision, or SEND classrooms. If you are calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, and motivated to make a positive impact, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.

About the Role - PRU & SEND Support

As a Youth Worker / ALN LSA / SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support students with:

• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
• EBD (Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties)
• ADHD / ADD
• Challenging behaviour, including verbal or physical escalation

Daily responsibilities include:

• 1:1 support and small-group interventions
• Behaviour management and de-escalation
• Building positive relationships with pupils who need consistency
• Supporting learning, emotional regulation and personalised programmes
• Maintaining a calm, structured and supportive environment

To apply for this PRU Youth Worker or SEND/ ALN Teaching Assistant role, you must have:

• At least 6 months' experience supporting challenging young people
• Experience in PRUs, SEND settings, youth work or alternative education
• Strong written and spoken English
• Right to work in the UK
• A 5-year employment history with all gaps explained
• Two years of references, including one from an education or care setting
• Enhanced DBS (and overseas police checks if applicable)
• A resilient, patient and nurturing approach

Why Work With Us?

We offer some of the best benefits for SEN support staff and Youth Workers in education recruitment:

• PAYE payroll no hidden admin charges
• A dedicated consultant team available 24/7
• Guaranteed Payment Scheme (T&Cs apply)
• Access to My-Progression CPD training and certificates
• £100 referral bonus for recommending a friend (T&Cs apply)

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.