PRU Teaching Assitants in Derby

Location: Derby (multiple sites across the city)

Contract Type: Temporary

Start Date: January 2025

Pay Rate: £108.60 per day (dependent on experience and responsibilities)

Qualifications – Essential:

• CACHE Level 3 (or equivalent)
• Minimum 6 months experience in a SEND, PRU, or alternative provision setting

Qualifications – Desirable:

• Experience supporting PRU pupils, including SEMH and behavioural needs
• Experience with MLD and wider SEND profiles
• Makaton, PECS, or other communication-based training
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (experience welcomed in place of formal qualifications)
• Own transport preferred due to travel between multiple sites

Experience:

• At least 6 months’ experience supporting children and young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH, MLD, and additional SEND needs

Overview:

Education Personnel are proud to be working in partnership with a Derby-based Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) operating across multiple sites. The provision supports pupils who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education, alongside learners with MLD and additional SEND needs. The PRU provides a structured, trauma-informed, and relationship-led environment, focusing on re-engagement, emotional regulation, behaviour support, and reintegration pathways. Pupils range across primary and secondary age groups, with highly individualised support plans.

Due to increased demand, our client is seeking resilient, compassionate SEND Teaching Assistants to work across sites on a day-to-day, long-term, and full-time basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a SEND TA who thrives in alternative provision and wants to make a genuine impact on pupils who require consistency, understanding, and strong positive role models.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support PRU pupils and SEND learners to access learning in a structured, supportive, and differentiated way
• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH, MLD, and additional needs
• Support behaviour management using positive handling strategies, de-escalation techniques, and restorative approaches
• Assist with emotional regulation, engagement, and re-integration strategies
• Support communication needs using visual aids, routines, and adapted learning approaches
• Work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals
• Monitor progress and contribute to behaviour plans, EHCP targets, and individual support strategies
• Attend staff meetings, CPD, and reviews as required

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has experience in a PRU, alternative provision, SEND school, or specialist setting
• Is confident supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH, and complex needs
• Understands trauma-informed practice and relationship-based behaviour support
• Is calm, patient, resilient, and consistent under pressure
• Has strong communication skills and works effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Is passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils to re-engage with education

Why apply through Education Personnel?

We work with you to find your perfect placement. We do not believe in “square pegs and round holes.” We take time to understand your experience, strengths, and preferences — particularly when matching candidates to PRU and alternative provision environments. Whether you are an experienced PRU professional or looking to develop your career within SEND and alternative education, we are here to support you.

We offer:

• Day-to-day supply
• Long-term assignments
• Permanent positions
• Full-time (5 days per week)
• Part-time (1 day or more per week)

We aim to be different from the standard education agency. Our mission is to help you achieve more — and earn more — while actively supporting campaigns to improve supply staff rights. We are currently recruiting across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, placing both qualified and unqualified staff in PRU, SEND, specialist, and mainstream settings.