Behaviour Support Assistant

GSL Education; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education in Oldham is seeking an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs within a dedicated SEMH base in a mainstream school.

The role is full-time and long-term, focusing on building trusted relationships, using de-escalation strategies, delivering 1:1 and small group interventions, and safeguarding. The ideal candidate has NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Calm, resilient and consistent approach for supporting pupils.
• Strong communication skills with pupils, staff and families.
• Fluent, confident spoken English essential.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs within the base and in mainstream lessons under guidance.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who find it hard to regulate emotions and behaviour.
• Use de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies to prevent incidents and keep pupils and staff safe.
• Follow individual behaviour plans and risk assessments consistently.
• Support emotional regulation using approaches such asZones of Regulation and restorative conversations.
• Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions to support learning and social skills.
• Support progress towards EHCP and SEND targets and feedback to teachers.
• Assist with transitions and unstructured times, including break and lunchtime.
• Liaise with parents/carers and external professionals as part of the wider team.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Strong communication

Fluent English

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 for Teaching Assistants

Tools

Team Teach training

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Behaviour Specialist - Oldham

We are recruiting an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to work in a dedicated SEMH base within a mainstream school in Oldham. This full-time, long-term role suits a calm, resilient behaviour specialist who can build trusted relationships with pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and help them stay regulated, engaged and included in school life.

Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs within the base and, where appropriate, in mainstream lessons, under the direction of the class teacher, SENCO and base lead
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who find it difficult to regulate their emotions and behaviour
• Use de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies to prevent incidents and keep pupils and staff safe
• Follow individual behaviour plans, risk assessments and the school's behaviour policy consistently
• Support emotional regulation using approaches such as Zones of Regulation, emotion coaching and restorative conversations
• Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions to support learning, social skills and emotional wellbeing
• Support progress towards EHCP and SEND support plan targets, feeding back to the class teacher and SENCO
• Support transitions and unstructured times, including break and lunchtime
• Liaise with parents/carers and external professionals as part of the wider support team
• Follow school safeguarding procedures at all times

Requirements:

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour in a school or similar setting
• Experience of working in a SEMH base, resourced provision or specialist setting is desirable
• Team Teach or equivalent de-escalation training desirable
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or working towards) for Teaching Assistants, or equivalent qualification/experience
• Calm, resilient and consistent approach, with the ability to stay composed under pressure
• Strong communication skills with pupils, staff and families
• Willingness to undertake relevant SEND and behaviour training where required
• Fluent, confident spoken English essential

A fully enhanced DBS and two professional references covering the last two years are required.