Behaviour Teaching Assistant

Aspire People Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a Behaviour Teaching Assistant to support students in Manchester secondary schools. You will work inside and outside the classroom to help pupils overcome barriers to learning, 1:1 and small group support, and contribute to positive behaviour management.

The ideal candidate has experience with challenging behaviour, SEMH/SEND, an Enhanced DBS, and references. Flexible short-term and long-term opportunities, competitive pay, and ongoing support from an education

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people in schools, youth work, or similar settings.
• Experience supporting students with challenging behaviour, SEMH, or SEND.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• References covering the last two years.

Responsibilities

• Supporting students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies.
• Encouraging students to engage with learning and remain focused throughout lessons.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to support individual behaviour plans.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor for young people.

Skills

Experience with children

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Resilience

Reliability

Education

UK Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Behaviour Teaching Assistant - Secondary Schools

Location: Manchester

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time Short-term & Long-term Opportunities

Agency: Aspire People

The Role

As a Behaviour Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies.
• Encouraging students to engage with learning and remain focused throughout lessons.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to support individual behaviour plans.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor for young people.

About You

We're looking for candidates who are:

• Experienced in working with children or young people who display challenging behaviour.
• Calm, patient, and confident in managing behaviour positively.
• Resilient, reliable, and able to adapt to different school environments.
• Passionate about supporting students to succeed both academically and personally.
• Excellent communicators who can quickly build positive relationships.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working with children or young people in schools, youth work, alternative provision, care, sports coaching, or similar settings.
• Experience supporting students with challenging behaviour, SEMH, or SEND.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• References covering the last two years.

Desirable

• A UK Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Criminology, Youth Studies, Education, or a related subject.
• Experience working within secondary schools.
• Knowledge of behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Why Join Aspire People?

• Flexible short-term and long-term opportunities across a range of secondary schools in Manchester.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.
• A great opportunity to gain valuable experience for careers in teaching, educational psychology, youth work, pastoral care, or behaviour support.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.