Secondary Teaching Assistant

AMA Admin; Bury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting for a Secondary Teaching Assistant in Bury to join an alternative provision setting. You will support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs and other learning needs in a structured and nurturing environment.

Join a team committed to helping young people progress academically and personally, with teachers and pastoral staff providing tailored support and safeguarding-focused practice.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in education, youth work, mentoring, care or a similar setting.
• Patient, resilient and empathetic.
• Genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs.
• Ability to build strong, positive relationships with pupils who may struggle with trust or engagement.
• Understands safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to help pupils engage with learning.
• Assist teachers with delivering tailored lessons and activities.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour management.
• Build positive relationships and contribute to a calm, nurturing learning environment.
• Work with pastoral teams to support pupils' academic and personal development.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and promote pupil wellbeing at all times.

Job description

Secondary Teaching Assistant - Alternative Provision in Bury

Milk Education are working with a supportive and inclusive alternative provision setting in Bury who are looking for a patient, resilient and enthusiastic Secondary Teaching Assistant to join their team ASAP.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people who may have struggled in mainstream education and require a more personalised, nurturing approach to learning.

The setting supports secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges and additional learning needs, providing a structured and supportive environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships and re-engage with education.

You will work alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff to provide tailored academic, emotional and behavioural support, helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

The school welcomes applications from experienced Teaching Assistants, graduates and candidates with transferable experience from youth work, mentoring, sports coaching, residential care or similar settings.

Your Role

As a Secondary Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges and additional learning needs.

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to help pupils engage with learning.

• Assist teachers with delivering tailored lessons and activities suited to individual needs.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced difficulties in mainstream education.

• Support pupils with emotional regulation, managing behaviour and developing positive coping strategies.

• Encourage confidence, independence, resilience and positive attitudes towards education.

• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to support pupils when needed.

• Help create a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment.

• Work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to support pupils' academic and personal development.

• Follow safeguarding procedures and promote pupil wellbeing at all times.

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children or young people in education, youth work, mentoring, care, coaching or a similar setting (desirable).

• Is patient, resilient, empathetic and able to remain calm in challenging situations.

• Has a genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs and barriers to education.

• Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils who may struggle with trust, confidence or engagement.

• Understands the importance of consistency, clear boundaries and positive behaviour management.

• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Can adapt their approach to meet the individual needs of different pupils.

• Is proactive, flexible and comfortable working in a fast-paced alternative provision environment.

• Understands the importance of safeguarding, emotional wellbeing and inclusion.

Previous Teaching Assistant experience is desirable but not essential. Graduates and candidates with transferable experience from youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, residential care, support work or similar backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What's in It for You?

• Compet