SEN / SEMH Teaching Assistant Stockton

SEMH / Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant - Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

Are you passionate about supporting young people who have struggled within mainstream education?

Empowering Learning is currently recruiting confident, resilient and compassionate SEMH / Behaviour Support Teaching Assistants to work within Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision settings across Stockton and the surrounding areas.

These specialist settings support children and young people who may have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or require additional support due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, trauma or other barriers to learning.

We are looking for individuals who understand that behaviour is often a form of communication and who can build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced significant challenges in their lives.

Working within a PRU can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

The right support can make a lasting difference to a young person's confidence, engagement, wellbeing and future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Support pupils who have experienced exclusion or difficulties accessing mainstream education.
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies, including de-escalation, restorative approaches and trauma-informed practice.
• Recognise behavioural triggers and support pupils in developing emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Establish clear boundaries, consistent routines and positive relationships.
• Support teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.
• Assist with individual behaviour support plans, risk assessments and reintegration strategies.
• Work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, SENCOs and external professionals.
• Promote a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in

• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision settings.
• SEMH schools or specialist SEND provisions.
• Behaviour management and positive behaviour support.
• Youth offending services, youth work or mentoring.
• Children's residential care, social care or pastoral support.
• Supporting young people with trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, ASD or complex emotional needs.

The ideal candidate will have

• A calm, confident and resilient approach to challenging situations.
• Experience managing behaviours that challenge, using appropriate de-escalation strategies.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the importance of positive relationships.
• The ability to establish firm but supportive boundaries.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A genuine passion for helping young people re-engage with education.
• Team Teach training or equivalent behaviour support training is highly desirable, although not essential.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Why Work With Empowering Learning?

At Empowering Learning, SEND, SEMH and specialist education are a core part of our business.

We work closely with schools, PRUs and Alternative Provisions to provide staff who understand the unique challenges and rewards of these environments.

With Team Teach as our sister company, we recognise the importance of positive behaviour support, safe de-escalation and appropriate training when working with young people who present with complex needs.

We offer

• Competitive daily rates of £96-£110, dependent on experience.
• Opportunities within PRUs, Alternative Provisions, SEMH schools and specialist SEND settings.
• Short-term, long-term and permanent opportunities.
• Access to specialist training opportunities, including Team Teach.
• A dedicated consultant who understands specialist education and your individual experience.
• Excellent candidate care and ongoing support throughout your placements.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and experience within specialist educational settings.

Could You Be the Person Who Makes the Difference?

Not every young person has had a positive experience of education.

Some need someone who will look beyond the behaviour, understand the challenges they face and give them the consistency, encouragement and support to try again.

If you have the confidence, patience and passion to support young people within a PRU or Alternative Provision, we would love to hear from you.