PRU assistant

TeacherActive; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

CPD training

Guaranteed payment scheme

Support throughout placements

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting Youth Workers and SEN Teaching Assistants to work within a well-established PRU in Cardiff. The role focuses on supporting students aged 11–16 with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges and ALN.

You will provide 1:1 and small group support, manage behavioural issues, and contribute to personalised learning plans in a calm, structured environment. Strong English and prior PRU or SEND experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months’ experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour.
• Experience within PRU, SEND school, youth work, care environment, or alternative provision is preferred.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Nurturing, patient and resilient approach; clear English communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support.
• Support pupils with SEMH, EBD, ADHD and trauma-related needs.
• Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour; help deliver personalised learning and behaviour plans.
• Promote emotional regulation and resilience; build strong, consistent relationships with vulnerable learners.
• Maintain a calm, safe and structured environment.

Skills

Youth work experience

Behaviour management

English proficiency

SEND education experience

Job description

We are currently recruiting confident, resilient, and compassionate Youth Workers and SEN Teaching Assistants to work within a well-established PRU in Cardiff. This alternative provision supports pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, and Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

If you have experience in youth work, SEND education, alternative provision, or behaviour support, this is an excellent opportunity to progress your career within specialist education settings.

About the PRU Role

This Pupil Referral Unit provides structured, supportive education for students who require a more personalised and therapeutic approach to learning.

As a Youth Worker, ALN Learning Support Assistant (LSA), or SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support
• Support pupils with SEMH, EBD, ADHD and trauma-related needs
• Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviourHelp deliver personalised learning and behaviour plans
• Promote emotional regulation and resilience
• Build strong, consistent relationships with vulnerable learners
• Maintain a calm, safe and structured environment

This role requires individuals who are calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, and committed to making a positive impact in alternative education.

Who We’re Looking For

To be considered for this PRU Teaching Assistant or Youth Worker job in Cardiff, you must have:

• A minimum of 6 months’ experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour
• Experience within a PRU, SEND school, youth work setting, care environment, or alternative provision
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
• A nurturing, patient and resilient approach
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Right to work in the UK
• A full 5-year employment history with all gaps explained
• Two years of references (including education or care)
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)

Experience with trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, or Team Teach-style strategies is highly desirable.

Why Work With Us?

• Dedicated education consultants available for ongoing support
• Access to CPD training and professional development
• Guaranteed Payment Scheme (T&Cs apply)
• £100 referral bonus scheme (T&Cs apply)
• Opportunities across PRUs, SEND schools and alternative provisions in Cardiff and surrounding areas

Working in a PRU in Cardiff offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people who need consistency, structure, and positive role models.

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.

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.