At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in an alternative provision setting, helping them engage and develop emotional skills.
- Company: A specialist Alternative Provision in Bradford focused on nurturing and supportive education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing support, free training, and a referral scheme.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to positive outcomes for students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work, mentoring, or behaviour support is ideal.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are working in partnership with a specialist Alternative Provision setting in Bradford that supports children and young people from KS1 to KS3 who have been, or are at risk of being, excluded from mainstream education. The setting supports pupils with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma‑related behaviours, and additional challenges linked to adverse childhood experiences. Many pupils can present with challenging behaviour at times and require consistent, therapeutic, and relationship‑focused support from trusted adults.
The school is seeking a dedicated and resilient Behaviour Buddy who can build strong relationships while maintaining clear boundaries and high expectations. The ideal candidate will be calm under pressure, nurturing in approach, and confident in supporting behaviour positively and consistently.
Your Role
- Supporting pupils on a one‑to‑one basis and in small groups
- Helping students engage with learning and develop emotional regulation skills
- Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour, dysregulation, or difficulties with authority and trust
- Building positive relationships that promote safety, structure, and consistency
- Encouraging positive behaviour, resilience, and personal development
- Assisting pupils both inside and outside of the classroom environment
- Working collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals
- Providing feedback on pupil progress, wellbeing, and behaviour
- Supporting pupils to re‑engage with education and develop strategies for success
The Children You Will Support
- Have SEMH needs and trauma‑related behaviours
- Be at risk of exclusion or returning from periods out of education
- Require support with emotional regulation and social interaction
- Display challenging behaviours including verbal outbursts, refusal, or dysregulation
- Need consistent routines, boundaries, and positive role models
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Is calm, resilient, and able to remain professional in challenging situations
- Can build trust and rapport while maintaining clear boundaries and discipline
- Has a nurturing and empathetic approach, while understanding the importance of structure and accountability
- Is passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people
- Works well as part of a wider pastoral and behaviour support team
- Understands the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on behaviour
Ideal Backgrounds Include:
- Residential care or support work with Looked After Children (LAC)
- Youth work or mentoring vulnerable young people
- Experience within alternative provisions or SEMH settings
- Young Offender or youth justice experience
- Behaviour support or pastoral roles
- Support work, care, or community‑based intervention roles
The Ideal Candidate Will Be:
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to think on their feet
- Confident managing challenging behaviour using calm and consistent approaches
- Able to form positive, professional relationships with pupils
- Passionate about helping children achieve positive outcomes despite barriers to education
- Committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice
Why Choose Engage Education?
- Competitive pay in line with Agency Worker Regulations
- A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support and guidance
- Access to free CPD and training opportunities delivered by experienced education leaders
- £50 Amazon voucher referral scheme
Behaviour Buddy, Bradford employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Behaviour Buddies in Bradford. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and dedicated consultancy support, ensuring they are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. The company fosters a collaborative culture that values resilience and empathy, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Buddy, Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential employers and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance for an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable children in the past. Use real-life stories to demonstrate your calmness under pressure and your nurturing approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a Behaviour Buddy role that fits you, don’t wait around. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows you're keen and can help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, you might face scenario-based questions about managing challenging behaviour. Think about your strategies and be ready to discuss how you would handle different situations with empathy and structure.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Buddy, Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable children shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it helps us see your commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Behaviour Buddy role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in SEMH settings or with challenging behaviours, so we can easily see how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Behaviour Buddy role and the specific needs of the pupils you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and trauma-related behaviours, as well as strategies for emotional regulation. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your suitability and passion for the position.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure. Share examples from your past experiences in residential care, youth work, or similar roles where you successfully managed challenging behaviour. Highlight your ability to maintain clear boundaries while being nurturing and empathetic.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Just like you'll need to build trust with pupils, it's important to connect with your interviewers. Be friendly, approachable, and genuine. Show them that you can form positive relationships by engaging in active listening and responding thoughtfully to their questions.
✨Prepare Questions About the Setting
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Alternative Provision setting and its approach to supporting pupils. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about the support systems in place for staff and how they collaborate with external professionals.
