PRU Teaching Assistant

Balfor Recruitment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Balfor Recruitment is seeking an experienced PRU Teaching Assistant to join an all-through school in Walsall, supporting pupils across Primary and Secondary education. The role involves building positive relationships, managing emotions, and supporting learning in a PRU/SEMH environment.

The position is ongoing, full-time, starting September 2026, with a competitive daily rate of £95–£100 and ongoing opportunities through Balfor Recruitment.

Qualifications

• Experience as PRU Teaching Assistant or SEMH setting is essential.
• Experience working with pupils who display challenging behaviour is essential.
• Desirable: Level 2/3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour.
• Support SEMH needs and behavioural needs across Primary and Secondary pupils.
• Assist teachers with adapting lessons and resources to meet individual needs.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.

Skills

PRU Teaching Assistant

SEMH

Behaviour mentoring

Behaviour management

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Job description

PRU Teaching Assistant

Job Role: PRU Teaching Assistant
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Contract: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £95–£100 per day

PRU Teaching Assistant – Walsall

Are you an experienced PRU Teaching Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or Behaviour Support Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Walsall? Do you have experience working with children and young people who display challenging behaviour, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) or who require additional support to access education?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced PRU Teaching Assistant to join a thriving all-through school in Walsall, supporting pupils across both Primary and Secondary education.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Teaching Assistant with experience in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provision (AP), SEMH settings or specialist education. The successful candidate will have a strong background in behaviour mentoring, behaviour management and supporting pupils with challenging behaviour.

This is an ongoing, full-time PRU Teaching Assistant position starting in September 2026.

The school is committed to providing a supportive, consistent and inclusive learning environment for pupils who may experience barriers to education. The school places a strong emphasis on positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, resilience and academic achievement, while promoting a respectful, caring and inclusive school community.

As a PRU Teaching Assistant in Walsall, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider school team to support pupils on both a 1:1 and small-group basis. You will help pupils manage behaviour and emotions, develop positive relationships, improve engagement with learning and build the skills needed to succeed in education.

This role would suit candidates searching for PRU Teaching Assistant jobs in Walsall, SEMH Teaching Assistant jobs, Behaviour Mentor jobs, Alternative Provision Teaching Assistant jobs or Behaviour Support Assistant jobs.

Key Responsibilities

As a PRU Teaching Assistant / SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils experiencing challenging behaviour and barriers to learning.
• Supporting children and young people with SEMH needs, behavioural difficulties and additional learning needs.
• Working with pupils across Primary and Secondary age groups within an all-through school setting.
• Acting as a Behaviour Mentor and positive role model for pupils.
• Supporting students to manage emotions, develop resilience and build appropriate social and communication skills.
• Helping pupils develop positive behaviours, emotional regulation and effective learning behaviours.
• Supporting pupils who may struggle to engage with mainstream education.
• Assisting teachers in adapting lessons, learning resources and classroom activities to meet individual needs.
• Supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, structured, consistent and supportive learning environment.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils and acting as a consistent key adult.
• Providing pastoral and emotional support to pupils experiencing difficulties in school.
• Using appropriate behaviour management, de-escalation and conflict-resolution strategies.
• Responding calmly and professionally to incidents of challenging behaviour.
• Following the school’s behaviour policy, safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, behaviour, engagement and development.
• Providing feedback to teachers, pastoral staff and relevant professionals.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, families and external professionals where appropriate.
• Supporting pupils to improve attendance, engagement, confidence and readiness to learn.

Requirements

The successful PRU Teaching Assistant / SEMH Teaching Assistant will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a PRU Teaching Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Behaviour Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant in Alternative Provision – Essential.
• Experience working with pupils who display challenging behaviour – Essential.
• Experience supporting children and young people with SEMH needs, behavioural needs or additional learning needs.
• Experience providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Strong knowledge of behaviour management and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Experience using appropriate de-escalation techniques when managing challenging situations.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent – desirable.
• A degree in Psychology, Education or a related subject – desirable.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to working with young people.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and resilient under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced difficulties within education.
• Adaptability and resilience when working with pupils with a range of complex or challenging needs.
• A genuine passion for Alternative Provision, SEMH education, behaviour support and helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Competitive daily rate of £95–£100 per day.
• Ongoing, full-time work from September 2026.
• The opportunity to work within an established all-through school in Walsall.
• Experience supporting both Primary and Secondary pupils.
• Valuable experience within PRU, Alternative Provision, SEMH and behaviour support.
• The opportunity to develop your skills in behaviour management, pastoral support and 1:1 intervention.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant throughout your placement.
• Access to further PRU, SEMH, Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor and education support roles through Balfor Recruitment.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the education, wellbeing and development of young people.

We are committed to Safer Recruitment and all appointments are subject to appropriate vetting, including a DBS check.

Balfor Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.