Behaviour Support Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Trafford; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. seeks a compassionate Teaching Assistant to join a PRU in Trafford, supporting pupils aged 5–16 with SEMH and SEN needs.

You will work alongside teachers, pastoral staff and external specialists to deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support, promote emotional regulation, de-escalation, and resilience, and help pupils engage with learning in a trauma-informed, safe environment. The role requires patience, calmness and consistency, with excellent communication and

Qualifications

• Calm, patient approach when supporting challenging behaviour.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with pupils.
• Commitment to consistent, caring support for vulnerable learners.
• Willingness to work full-time and long-term in a PRU.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support for SEMH and SEN pupils.
• Help deliver individualised support plans to improve engagement.
• Support emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies.
• Adapt activities to meet education and behaviour plans.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil support planning.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and external professionals.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Patience

Job description

Teaching Personnel is seeking a caring and committed Teaching Assistant to join a progressive and supportive Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Trafford. This role offers a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people who need a more tailored and compassionate educational experience.

About the Setting

The PRU supports pupils aged 5–16 who are currently unable to thrive within mainstream education. Many students present with SEMH needs, additional learning needs, or have experienced complex personal and educational challenges.

The provision delivers education within a safe, structured and trauma‑informed environment, helping pupils rebuild trust, regain confidence and develop essential life and learning skills.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will be central to supporting pupils’ academic progress, emotional development and positive behaviour. Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals, you will help deliver individualised support plans that encourage engagement, emotional regulation and long‑term success.

This role is ideal for someone who is patient, consistent and calm, even in challenging situations, and who is genuinely motivated to support vulnerable young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH and SEN needs
• Build positive, trusting relationships to improve engagement and attendance
• Support emotional regulation and use appropriate de‑escalation strategies
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual education and behaviour plans
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive behaviour choices
• Assist with behaviour management using trauma‑informed and restorative approaches
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive and structured learning environment
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil support planning

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Calm, confident and resilient when supporting challenging behaviour
• A genuine passion for working with vulnerable children and young people
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries with a caring and consistent approach
• Commitment to a full‑time, long‑term position

Desirable:

• Team Teach trained or willing to train

• Previous experience in a PRU, SEMH provision, SEN school or youth work setting
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice or behaviour management strategies