Secondary PRU Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Outstanding Secondary SEMH Provision

Location: Bolton

Salary: Competitive daily rate (£90-£115 per day, dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-Time Temp to Perm

Start Date: ASAP

Tradewind Recruitment are proud to be working in partnership with an Outstanding-rated Secondary SEMH Provision in Bolton to recruit a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant.

This specialist setting supports young people aged 11-16 with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including ADHD, Autism, attachment difficulties, trauma, anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance and social, emotional and behavioural challenges. The school provides a nurturing, therapeutic and highly structured environment that enables pupils to re-engage with education, develop emotional resilience and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly experienced team that takes a trauma-informed, relationship-led approach to supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in education.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Building positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils who may have experienced previous challenges within education.
• Supporting students to develop emotional regulation, self-confidence and resilience.
• Implementing individual behaviour support plans and targeted interventions.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated lessons.
• Encouraging participation and engagement in learning activities.
• Supporting pupils throughout the school day, including lessons, social times and transitions.
• Promoting positive behaviour through restorative, nurturing and trauma-informed approaches.
• Managing challenging behaviour effectively using agreed behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Supporting pupils to develop social skills, independence and emotional wellbeing.
• Monitoring pupil progress and communicating effectively with teaching and pastoral staff.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

About the School

Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios.

A highly supportive and collaborative staff team.

Bespoke learning pathways tailored to individual needs.

Strong therapeutic and pastoral support structures.

Excellent facilities and resources.

A focus on emotional wellbeing, personal development and future aspirations.

Extensive training and professional development opportunities.

Clear behaviour systems and a consistent whole-school approach.

Staff are passionate about helping young people succeed, and the school places relationship-building and consistency at the heart of its practice.

Ideal Candidate

• Have experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Be confident working with secondary-aged pupils who can present with dysregulated behaviours.
• Demonstrate patience, resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Have a strong understanding of behaviour support and positive relationship-building.
• Remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Be able to establish firm, consistent boundaries while maintaining positive relationships.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to achieve positive outcomes.

Desirable Experience

Applications are welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in:SEMH SchoolsAlternative ProvisionsPupil Referral Units (PRUs)Youth WorkChildren's Residential CareBehaviour MentoringSports CoachingSEND SupportMental Health Support WorkHighly DesirablePhysical Intervention training such as Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA or equivalent.Experience using positive handling strategies when required and appropriate.Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.Experience implementing behaviour support plans and de-escalation techniques.

Key Requirements

All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.