Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision

Axcis Education Recruitment; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment is recruiting for a Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant role at a specialist Alternative Provision in Bristol, starting September 2026 for the full academic year. The role focuses on SEMH needs, trauma-informed approaches, and mentoring pupils to re-engage with education.

Ideal candidates will have experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs, with a background in youth work or mentoring.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Background in youth work, mentoring, or related support roles.
• Calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Support students to re-engage with education using positive behaviour management and trauma-informed approaches
• Build strong, consistent relationships as a trusted mentor and positive role model
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, resilience, confidence and social skills
• Support learning both inside and outside the classroom in a flexible, structured environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for each learner

Skills

SEMH experience

Behavioural support

Mentoring background

Youth work

Job description

September 2026 Start | Full-time | Term-time Only | 8:30am–3:30pm

Are you looking for a rewarding Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant or SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Bristol? Axcis Education is recruiting on behalf of a specialist Alternative Provision in Brislington, Bristol, seeking resilient, proactive and passionate Teaching Assistants to join their team from September 2026 for the full academic year. This specialist setting supports Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students who are unable to access mainstream education due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges and other additional needs. The provision takes a trauma-informed approach, focusing on building positive relationships, improving emotional wellbeing and helping pupils develop the confidence and skills needed for life beyond education. This opportunity is particularly well suited to candidates with backgrounds in youth work, mentoring, behaviour support, sports coaching, residential care, children's services or SEND education.

About the Role

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Support students to re-engage with education using positive behaviour management and trauma-informed approaches
• Build strong, consistent relationships as a trusted mentor and positive role model
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, resilience, confidence and social skills
• Support learning both inside and outside the classroom in a flexible, structured environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to achieve the best outcomes for each learner

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience supporting young people with SEMH, behavioural needs or SEND (education experience is desirable but not essential)
• Has a background in youth work, mentoring, coaching, residential care or behaviour support
• Is calm, patient and resilient when faced with challenging situations
• Can build positive, professional relationships with young people who need consistency and encouragement
• Is passionate about helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes

Why Join This Alternative Provision?

• Join a specialist setting where relationships come before behaviour
• Work within a trauma-informed environment that prioritises wellbeing and personal development
• Be part of a dedicated and supportive team committed to changing young people's lives
• A varied and rewarding role that combines education, mentoring and youth work
• Stable full academic year placement with opportunities for ongoing work and career progression
• Ongoing support and professional development through Axcis Education

Key Details

• Role: Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant
• Location: Brislington, Bristol
• Setting: Alternative Provision (KS3 & KS4)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: Full academic year
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm (term-time only)

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.

Contact: Dan Davey, Telephone: [phone] | Ext: 2003