PRU Teaching Assistant

Long Term Futures Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Long Term Futures is recruiting a resilient and proactive Teaching Assistant to join a well-established Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Islington. This full-time opportunity supports students with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, and academic progress alongside experienced staff.

You will provide 1:1 and small group support, build positive relationships, and implement restorative strategies to help students re-engage with education in a safe, structured setting.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker, Sports Coach, or in a similar role.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, or within an alternative provision is highly desirable.
• Confident managing behaviour using a calm, consistent, and restorative approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Patient, resilient, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Build positive, consistent relationships that promote engagement and trust.
• Support students in accessing learning and remaining focused during lessons.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques in line with school policies.
• Assist with individual behaviour plans, risk assessments, and intervention programmes.
• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and resilience.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, therapists, and external agencies.
• Support students' academic progress alongside their personal, social, and emotional development.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.

Skills

Teaching Assistant

Behaviour Mentor

Learning Support Assistant

Youth Worker

Support Worker

Sports Coach

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Team collaboration

Enhanced DBS (Update Service)

Job description

Teaching Assistant - PRU (Behaviour Focus)

Location: Islington, North London

Pay: per day

Contract Type: Full-time Temporary to Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Commutable from: Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Barnet, Westminster, Enfield, and Central London.

Long Term Futures is recruiting a resilient and proactive Teaching Assistant to join a well-established Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Islington. This full-time opportunity is ideal for someone passionate about supporting young people who require additional behavioural, emotional, and academic support to re-engage with education.

The school supports students who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or require an alternative educational setting due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or behavioural challenges. Working alongside experienced teachers, pastoral staff, and behaviour specialists, you will play a key role in helping students develop positive relationships, regulate their emotions, and achieve meaningful progress both inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.


• Build positive, consistent relationships that promote engagement and trust.


• Support students in accessing learning and remaining focused during lessons.


• Implement behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques in line with school policies.


• Assist with individual behaviour plans, risk assessments, and intervention programmes.


• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and resilience.


• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, therapists, and external agencies.


• Support students' academic progress alongside their personal, social, and emotional development.


• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.


• Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker, Sports Coach, or in a similar role.


• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, or within an alternative provision is highly desirable.


• Confident managing behaviour using a calm, consistent, and restorative approach.


• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.


• Patient, resilient, and able to remain calm under pressure.


• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning.


• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive daily rates paid weekly.


• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.


• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.


• Access to CPD and safeguarding training opportunities.


• A quick and straightforward registration process.


• A wide range of opportunities across London schools.