Teaching assistant alternative provision

TeacherActive; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational recruitment agency is seeking a dedicated Youth Worker to support pupils with challenging behaviour and additional learning needs in a PRU and SEND settings. Candidates should have at least six months' experience in related environments. Key responsibilities include providing 1:1 support, managing behaviour, and building relationships. This role offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and support from a dedicated consultant team ready to assist you throughout your journey.

Benefits

PAYE payroll with no hidden charges

24/7 dedicated consultant support

Guaranteed Payment Scheme

Access to CPD training

£100 referral bonus

Qualifications

• At least 6 months’ experience supporting challenging young people.
• Experience in PRUs, SEND settings, youth work or alternative education.
• Strong written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• 1:1 support and small-group interventions.
• Behaviour management and de-escalation.
• Building positive relationships with pupils.

Skills

Youth work experience

Behaviour management

Calm under pressure

Communication

Empathy

Job description

Teaching assistant alternative provision

Do you have experience in youth work, looking for work as a Teaching assistant to work in alternative provision or Pupil referrals supporting young people with challenging behaviour and additional learning needs? We are working with a leading Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and several SEND/ALN schools to recruit confident, resilient, and passionate staff to support pupils aged 11–16 with a wide range of complex needs.

These roles suit candidates with experience in youth work, SEMH, challenging behaviour, alternative provision, or SEND classrooms. If you are calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, and motivated to make a positive impact, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.

About the Role – PRU & SEND Support

As a Youth Worker / ALN LSA / SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support students with:

• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
• EBD (Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties)
• ADHD / ADD
• Challenging behaviour, including verbal or physical escalation

Daily responsibilities include:

• 1:1 support and small-group interventions
• Behaviour management and de-escalation
• Building positive relationships with pupils who need consistency
• Supporting learning, emotional regulation and personalised programmes
• Maintaining a calm, structured and supportive environment

To apply for this PRU Youth Worker or SEND Teaching Assistant role, you must have:

• At least 6 months’ experience supporting challenging young people
• Experience in PRUs, SEND settings, youth work or alternative education
• Strong written and spoken English
• Right to work in the UK
• A 5-year employment history with all gaps explained
• Two years of references, including one from an education or care setting
• Enhanced DBS (and overseas police checks if applicable)
• A resilient, patient and nurturing approach

Why Work With Us?

We offer some of the best benefits for SEN support staff and Youth Workers in education recruitment:

• PAYE payroll no hidden admin charges
• A dedicated consultant team available 24/7
• Guaranteed Payment Scheme (T&Cs apply)
• Access to My-Progression CPD training and certificates
• £100 referral bonus for recommending a friend (T&Cs apply)

Apply Now Start Your Career in PRU & SEND Support

If you’re ready to make a difference in a PRU, SEND school, or alternative provision, click APPLY NOW. We will contact you to discuss suitable Youth Worker, ALN LSA, and SEN Teaching Assistant jobs available in your area.

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and will require you to supply good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

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

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

Register with TeacherActive or learn more about our services.