Behaviour Support Assistant

GSL Education; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

GSL Education in Wakefield is seeking a dedicated Behaviour Support Assistant to work in a specialist school setting. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with behavioural needs, building positive relationships and applying calm de‑escalation techniques throughout the day.

The role requires experience in education, care or support work, a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection, and a willingness to work on supply with potential for a permanent position.

Qualifications

• Experience working with challenging behaviours in a school, care or support setting.
• Calm, patient and resilient; able to stay composed in difficult situations.
• Confident building positive relationships with young people.
• Able to use positive behaviour strategies to support pupils through dysregulation.
• Clear and consistent boundaries with compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with behavioural needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a role model.
• Promote positive behaviour through clear boundaries and encouragement.
• Support pupils during challenging situations using de-escalation.
• Help pupils re-engage with learning and build confidence.
• Collaborate with teachers to follow individual support and behaviour plans.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Adhere to safeguarding, health & safety procedures.

Job description

Behaviour Support Assistant - Wakefield

Location:Wakefield

Employer: GSL Education

Contract: Supply, with potential for a permanent position

Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about supporting young people and helping them overcome behavioural barriers to learning?

GSL Education are currently seeking a dedicated and resilient Behaviour Support Assistant to join a specialist school setting in Wakefield. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience working in education, care, support work or a similar environment who is looking to make a real difference.

The Role

As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may display challenging or complex behaviours, providing consistent, positive and supportive guidance throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with behavioural needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and act as a consistent role model.
• Promote positive behaviour through clear boundaries and encouragement.
• Support pupils during challenging situations using calm de-escalation strategies.
• Help pupils re-engage with learning and develop confidence and independence.
• Work closely with teachers and staff to follow individual support and behaviour plans.
• Promote a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow all relevant safeguarding, behaviour and health & safety procedures.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced working with challenging behaviours, either within a school, care or support setting.

• Calm, patient and resilient, with the ability to remain composed in challenging situations.

• Confident building positive and trusting relationships with young people.

• Able to use positive behaviour strategies and support pupils through periods of dysregulation.

• Compassionate and understanding, while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

• A strong communicator who works well as part of a wider school team.

• Happy to work on a supply basis, with the potential to move into a full-time/permanent position when the right opportunity becomes available.

Why GSL Education?

GSL Education provides ongoing support throughout your placement, working closely with you to find opportunities that match your experience and career goals.

If you're passionate about supporting young people, promoting positive behaviour and helping pupils reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.