Learning Support Assistant (Behaviour)

TeacherActive; Penperlleni; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting a dedicated Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to work with pupils in a Pontypool PRU. You will support students with behavioural and emotional needs in and out of class, helping them access education and engage with learning.

The ideal candidate has experience with challenging behaviour and a calm, patient, resilient approach, with a genuine desire to support vulnerable learners and make a difference.

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people displaying challenging behaviour.
• Background in youth work, social work, LSA/TA, residential care, or mentoring roles.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with young people.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach to challenging situations.
• Genuine desire to support vulnerable learners.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with behavioural and emotional needs.
• Support learners to access education and stay engaged in lessons.
• Promote positive behaviour and personal development.
• Assist teaching staff in delivering tailored learning activities.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Help create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Behaviour management

Relationship building

Calm under pressure

Resilience

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a dedicated and resilient Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to work within a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Pontypool. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting young people who may face barriers to learning due to social, emotional, and behavioural challenges.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting pupils both in and out of the classroom, helping them to engage positively with education and achieve their potential.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Experience working with children or young people who display challenging behaviour.
• A background in one or more of the following areas:
  • Youth Work
  • Social Work
  • Learning Support Assistant (LSA) roles
  • Teaching Assistant positions
  • Residential Childcare
  • Behaviour Support
  • Alternative Provision settings
  • Mentoring or Community Support Work
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• The ability to build positive, professional relationships with young people.
• A calm, patient, and resilient approach to challenging situations.
• A genuine desire to support vulnerable learners and make a positive difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with behavioural and emotional needs.
• Support learners to access education and remain engaged in lessons.
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage personal development.
• Assist teaching staff in delivering tailored learning activities.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working within a PRU, Alternative Provision, or specialist educational setting.
• Team Teach, MAPA, or other behaviour management training.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
• Experience supporting pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).

What We Offer

• Competitive daily rate of £90 per day.
• Valuable experience within a specialist educational setting.
• Ongoing support from an experienced education recruitment team.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
• Potential for longer-term opportunities for the right candidate.

If you have experience working with young people who require additional behavioural support and are looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

Equal Opportunities Statement

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.