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- Tasks: Support students with behavioural needs and help them re-engage with learning.
- Company: Five Education, a supportive alternative education provider in South Bristol.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS cost refund, and a friend referral bonus.
- Other info: Full-time role during term time with excellent mentoring support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting young people; experience in education or care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Five Education is recruiting a proactive and resilient teaching assistant to support students at an alternative education provider in South Bristol. This centre caters to post‑compulsory age young people (16+) with a range of SEMH needs. Many of the pupils present with challenging behaviour and so we are seeking composed, confident and collaborative individuals able to provide consistency and set boundaries in challenging situations. Experience in education, care, youth work or behaviour support is highly desirable, though not essential: your attitude and ability to build trust are what matter most.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide structured 1:1 or small group support to students with behavioural needs.
- Use de‑escalation strategies and consistent boundaries to manage challenging behaviour.
- Work closely with other staff to implement behaviour plans and support strategies.
- Encourage students to re‑engage with learning through positive relationships and tailored support.
- Support pupils during unstructured times such as break and lunch to ensure safety and inclusion.
Essential Criteria
- Confident, proactive, and emotionally resilient.
- Passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs.
- Available to work full‑time, Monday to Friday, 8:30–15:30 (term‑time only).
- Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
- Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
- Hold a current DBS check on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.
- If you do not have a Non‑Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.
What can Five Education offer you?
- Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
- Cost of DBS refunded after you work 20 days.
- Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
- Specialist support / mentoring while you are working.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level.
Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note the pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.
Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.
Learning Support Assistant and Student Mentor (SEND) employer: Five
Contact Detail:
Five Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant and Student Mentor (SEND)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Five Education. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions related to supporting students with SEMH needs. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! During the interview, highlight your ability to build trust and manage challenging behaviour. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported young people, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email to Kate can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for the Learning Support Assistant position.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant and Student Mentor (SEND)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting young people with additional needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any past roles in education, care, or youth work that showcase your ability to handle challenging situations.
Showcase Your Resilience: Since we're looking for proactive and emotionally resilient individuals, share examples of how you've managed tough situations in the past. This will help us see how you can thrive in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant and Student Mentor. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEMH challenges and think about how your experiences can relate to this. It’s all about showing that you’re not just a good fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Given the nature of the role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your emotional resilience. Prepare examples from your past where you’ve successfully managed challenging situations or behaviours. This will help the interviewers see that you can handle the ups and downs of working with young people.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. This shows that you’re not only interested in the job but also in creating positive relationships, which is key in this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the support strategies they use or how they measure success with students. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and your proactive approach to understanding the environment you'll be working in.