Inclusion Support Assistant (November 2nd Start) at Ripple Education

Ripple Education; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Holiday pay

Training opportunities

Supportive team

Job summary

Ripple Education is recruiting an Inclusion Support Assistant for a full-time, long-term position in a primary school in Peterlee. You will support children who may need additional help to regulate emotions, manage behaviour, and engage with learning, working closely with school staff.

We value candidates with SEMH/behaviour experience and a hands-on, compassionate approach, with safeguarding at the forefront.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs.
• Experience in PRU/Alternative Provision or specialist setting is highly desirable.
• Confident, active and hands-on approach to support.
• Resilience to stay calm when behaviour is challenging.
• Understanding of positive behaviour support and de-escalation.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support.
• Help pupils engage with learning and school routines.
• Support emotional regulation and behaviour.
• Use positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils and maintain boundaries.
• Support pupils inside and outside the classroom.
• Engage pupils with practical and active learning activities.
• Assist transitions and challenging points in the day.
• Collaborate with teachers and SEND/inclusion team.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Inclusion Support Assistant - Peterlee

Primary School | Full-Time | Long-Term Position | November 2nd 2026

Are you an active, resilient and compassionate support professional who can build strong relationships with children who may find it difficult to engage with education?

Ripple Education is recruiting an Inclusion Support Assistant for a full-time, long-term position in a primary school in Peterlee.

We're looking for someone who is confident, energetic and hands-on. You'll support children who may need additional help to regulate their emotions, manage their behaviour and successfully engage with school and learning.

Experience within a PRU, Alternative Provision, SEMH or specialist setting would be particularly valuable for this role.

Ripple Education is a local education recruitment agency working with schools, nurseries and specialist settings across the North East.

We believe in finding the right person, not just a person, for every setting. Children are at the heart of every decision we make.

The opportunity

This is not a role where you'll spend the whole day sitting alongside a child at a desk.

We're looking for someone who is active and willing to get involved, whether that means supporting learning in the classroom, helping a child regulate outside of the classroom, engaging pupils through practical or physical activities, or providing calm and consistent support during more challenging moments.

You'll work closely with school staff to help children feel included, develop positive relationships and successfully access their education.

What we're looking for

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs
• Previous experience within a PRU, Alternative Provision or specialist setting would be highly desirable
• A confident, active and hands-on approach
• The resilience to remain calm and consistent when behaviour becomes challenging
• An understanding of positive behaviour support and de-escalation
• The ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• A patient, compassionate and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding
• Availability to work full-time on a long-term basis

A relevant Teaching Assistant, Learning Support or equivalent qualification would be beneficial.

We also welcome applications from people with strong, relevant transferable experience whose skills and approach would suit an inclusion role within a primary school.

The role

Depending on the needs of the pupils, you may:

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support
• Help pupils engage successfully with learning and school routines
• Support children with emotional regulation and behaviour
• Use positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
• Build consistent and trusting relationships with pupils
• Support children both inside and outside the classroom
• Use practical, active and engaging approaches to help pupils participate in education
• Help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills
• Support pupils during transitions and challenging points in the school day
• Work closely with teachers, the SEND/inclusion team and other professionals
• Help maintain a safe, positive and inclusive environment
• Follow school and Ripple Education safeguarding procedures at all times

Why work with Ripple?

• Weekly pay and holiday pay
• Access to specialist training and professional development
• A friendly, supportive team who get to know you
• Support from experienced teachers and education professionals

Safer Recruitment Requirements

We take our responsibility to safeguard children extremely seriously.

All applicants must fully engage with Ripple Education's rigorous and robust safer recruitment process before they can be considered for work.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS and relevant barred list checks
• Full employment and education history, including explanations for any gaps
• Suitable professional references
• Right to Work and identity checks
• Qualification checks, where applicable
• Safeguarding and suitability declarations

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, Ripple Education is unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Our recruitment process is intentionally thorough because the safety and welfare of children will always come first.

Ripple Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.