Behaviour Support Assistant | Mentor | High School

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Preston; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. in Preston is seeking a resilient Behaviour Support Assistant / Mentor to join a secondary school team.

You will work with pupils aged 11-16 displaying challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, or disengagement, providing targeted support to stay focused on learning. The role offers Monday to Friday hours during term time, regular PAYE pay every Friday, and long-term stability with a view to a permanent placement.

Qualifications

• Experience with secondary pupils (11-16) displaying challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or disengagement.
• Strong emotional intelligence with a firm, fair classroom presence.
• Training in de-escalation and restorative approaches is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom-based behaviour management and 1:1/small-group intervention for students.
• Act as on-call de-escalation responder, using restorative practice and emotion coaching.
• Run targeted small-group workshops on anger management, decision-making and self-esteem.
• Support students in inclusion/isolations rooms while completing academic work.
• Build trusted relationships with vulnerable pupils and act as advocate and boundary-setter.
• Collaborate with heads of year and SENCO to monitor progress and behaviour plans.

Skills

Behaviour management

De-escalation

Restorative Practice

Emotional intelligence

Boundary setting

Mentoring

Job description

Are you a resilient, energetic, and positive role model who can connect with teenagers and turn challenging behaviour around? We are looking for a confident and dedicated Behaviour Support Assistant / Mentor to join a supportive secondary school in Preston. This is a long-term, full-time role suited for an experienced Cover Supervisor, Sports Coach, Youth Worker, Ex-Forces personnel, or specialist Teaching Assistant who understands how to build mutual respect with high school students (ages 11-16). You will work directly with pupils who exhibit challenging behaviours, low engagement, or Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them stay regulated, focused, and on track with their learning.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

• Provide classroom-based behaviour management and 1:1/small-group intervention for students struggling to engage with secondary curriculum lessons.
• Act as an on-call de-escalation responder, defusing heightened situations calmly using restorative practice and emotion coaching.
• Run targeted small-group workshops focusing on anger management, positive decision-making, conflict resolution, and self-esteem.
• Support students in the internal inclusion / isolation room or nurture base, ensuring academic work is completed alongside reflective mentoring.
• Build strong, non-judgemental working relationships with vulnerable pupils, acting as a trusted advocate and boundary-setter.
• Work closely with Heads of Year, the Pastoral Leadership Team, and the SENCO to monitor pupil progress and behaviour tracking plans.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record working with secondary-aged pupils (11-16) displaying challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, or disaffection in an education, youth outreach, or sports coaching setting.
• Presence & Authority: High emotional intelligence paired with a firm, fair, and authoritative classroom presence.
• De‑escalation Skills: Skilled in positive behaviour support and non-physical de-escalation; training in Team Teach, MAPA, or Restorative Practice is highly desirable.
• Mindset: Patient, resilient, thick-skinned, and able to approach every single day with a fresh perspective.
• Safeguarding: Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one immediately) and a full, checkable work history.
• Location: Easily commutable across Preston, South Ribble, and Central Lancashire (PR1-PR5, Penwortham, Fulwood, Bamber Bridge, Leyland).

Why Take This Role?

• Regular School Routine: Monday to Friday, standard school hours only-no evenings, sleep-ins, or weekend shift rotas.
• School Holidays Off: Enjoy 13 weeks of school holidays per year for proper work-life balance.
• Long-Term Stability: A consistent, full-time position for the academic year with a straightforward pathway onto a permanent school contract.
• Direct PAYE Pay: Reliable, competitive daily rates paid every Friday directly into your account with zero umbrella fees.