Education ⫽ SEN Support Jobs

Educato Limited; Walkden; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Educato Limited is seeking an experienced Behaviour Mentor to work in an Alternative Provision in Salford, supporting pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour. The role involves 1:1 mentoring, relationship-building, and applying de-escalation techniques to help students engage with education.

Ideal candidates will have a sporting or coaching background, a full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle, and a valid Enhanced DBS.

Qualifications

• Experience working with challenging behaviour, SEMH or vulnerable young people.
• Strong understanding of behaviour management and de-escalation.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 behaviour mentoring to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build trusting relationships with young people who may have exclusions or disrupted education.
• Use de-escalation strategies to manage challenging situations.
• Encourage emotional regulation and social skills.
• Transport pupils safely to and from the provision daily.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to implement individual behaviour support strategies.

Skills

Driving licence

Behaviour management

Emotional regulation

Sports coaching

Education

Enhanced DBS (Update Service)

Job description

Educato Recruitment are recruiting for an experienced and resilient Behaviour Mentor to work within an Alternative Provision in Salford, supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour and difficulties engaging in mainstream education.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 behaviour mentoring to pupils with SEMH needs, ADHD, autism and challenging behaviour.
• Build trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced exclusions, disrupted education or difficulties in mainstream settings.
• Use effective behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to manage challenging situations.
• Encourage emotional regulation, positive decision-making and improved social skills.
• Use sport, physical activity and practical activities to engage pupils and promote positive behaviour.
• Support pupils in developing confidence, resilience and independence.
• Maintain clear expectations, boundaries and routines throughout the school day.
• Transport pupils safely to and from the provision as required.
• Work alongside teaching staff and other professionals to implement individual behaviour support strategies.
• This is a hands-on role where building positive relationships, setting clear boundaries and understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviour are essential.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a sporting or coaching background who can use physical activity, structured routines and positive mentoring to help pupils regulate their emotions, improve their behaviour and re-engage with education. An important part of this role will involve transporting a pupil to and from the provision each day, so applicants must be confident drivers with access to their own vehicle and appropriate business insurance.

Essential qualifications

• Previous experience working with challenging behaviour, SEMH or vulnerable young people.
• A strong understanding of behaviour management, emotional regulation and de-escalation.
• A sporting background, ideally in sports coaching, PE, football coaching or youth development.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Appropriate business insurance covering the transportation of pupils.
• A calm, confident and resilient personality with the ability to remain professional in challenging situations.
• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
• Commitment to working full-time in a long-term position.

Who would suit this role?

• Experienced Behaviour Mentors or SEMH Teaching Assistants.
• Sports Coaches with experience supporting challenging behaviour.
• Youth Workers or Outreach Workers.
• Staff with previous experience in Alternative Provisions or Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).
• Individuals experienced in supporting young people at risk of exclusion.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a specialist setting where your ability to build relationships and manage behaviour can have a genuine impact on a young person's future. The provision is looking for someone who is consistent, proactive and not easily fazed by challenging behaviour. You must be able to balance a supportive, approachable manner with firm boundaries and clear expectations. If you have strong behaviour management experience, a sporting background and a passion for supporting young people who need additional guidance, we want to hear from you. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (child and adult workforce), satisfactory references, and full compliance with KCSIE (2026) guidance and safer recruitment standards. Overseas police checks may be required where applicable.