At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teenagers with behavioural challenges and help them re-engage with learning.
- Company: Aspire People, a supportive Pupil Referral Unit in Bedford.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive pay, and dedicated support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them succeed.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience in supporting young people.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for long-term placements.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 22000 £ per year.
Pay: 95 - 110 per day. Full-time. Start: ASAP.
Role: Teaching Assistant (NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience). Are you motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who need it most? A supportive Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Bedford is seeking a resilient, compassionate, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join their team. This role involves supporting teenagers who have faced significant barriers to learning, including behavioural challenges, social and emotional needs, and difficult or complex backgrounds. This is a role where relationship‑building, consistency, and empathy truly change lives.
About the Role
- You will work closely with young people aged 11-16 who require a tailored, highly supportive environment to re‑engage with learning.
- The focus is on helping pupils develop emotional regulation, rebuild confidence, and make positive choices, while also supporting them academically.
- Every day is different, and every interaction has purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide steady, structured support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
- Build trusting relationships through patience, reliability, and positive role‑modelling.
- Support with behaviour regulation, de‑escalation, and restorative conversations.
- Help create a calm, safe learning environment where students feel respected and understood.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, mentors, and pastoral staff to meet each pupil's individual needs.
What We're Looking For
- NVQ Level 2 in Teaching Assistant support or substantial experience supporting young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
- Experience working with teenagers who have faced school exclusion, challenging home situations, or complex emotional needs.
- A calm, firm, and compassionate approach.
- Strong communication skills and the resilience to manage challenging situations.
- A genuine belief that every young person deserves a fresh start and the chance to succeed.
Why Work with Aspire People
- Flexible working options.
- Competitive weekly pay.
- A dedicated consultant supported by an experienced team.
- Opportunities for long‑term or permanent placements within PRU and SEMH settings.
Contact Information
Apply today or contact our team for more information.
Legal Statement: Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expect all candidates to share this commitment. All placements are subject to Child Protection screening, including DBS and employment history checks.
Behaviour specialist TA needed in January 2026 in England employer: Aspire People
Contact Detail:
Aspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour specialist TA needed in January 2026 in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND or PRU settings. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour management and emotional support. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experiences and strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted young people's lives. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role's importance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for dedicated individuals like you to join our team in supporting young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour specialist TA needed in January 2026 in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to this cause.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Teaching Assistant in a PRU setting. Highlight your NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience, and focus on any specific skills or experiences that relate to working with young people who have SEMH or behavioural needs.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your written application. Share your personal journey and what drives you to work in this field. This helps us get to know the real you and understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant in a PRU setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students with SEMH needs and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships with young people in the past. Highlight your compassionate approach and how you've helped students overcome barriers to learning. This will show that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Be Prepared for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle challenging situations. Think through some scenarios where you might need to de-escalate a situation or support a student emotionally. Having clear, thoughtful responses will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for staff, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you.