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- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH challenges, helping them re-engage and build confidence.
- Company: Specialised Pupil Referral Unit in Wakefield with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, weekly payments, free professional development, and rewarding work.
- Other info: Full-time role during term time with opportunities for growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable young people's lives in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour; resilience and empathy are key.
The predicted salary is between 22100 - 28600 £ per year.
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: £85 - £110 per day
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-term
Setting: Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / Alternative Provision
About the Role
Are you a resilient, high-energy individual who thrives in challenging environments? We are currently seeking a committed Teaching Assistant to join a specialized Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Wakefield. This role is centered on supporting pupils who have been disengaged from mainstream education, many of whom face significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges and display complex behaviours. You will work as part of a tight-knit team to re-engage these young people, helping them build confidence and academic stability in a non-traditional classroom setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Engagement: Provide 1:1 and small group intervention to re-engage pupils with their learning.
- Behavior Management: Use proven de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively.
- Mentoring: Act as a positive role model, building strong, trusting relationships with students who may have had negative experiences with education.
- Support: Assist Class Teachers in delivering adapted lessons that meet the specific emotional and academic needs of the pupils.
- Progress Tracking: Monitor emotional wellbeing and behavioural progress, providing detailed feedback to the Senior Leadership Team.
Requirements
- Experience: Previous experience working with SEMH, ADHD, or challenging behaviour (PRU, Youth Work, or Residential Care backgrounds are highly valued).
- Resilience: A "thick skin" and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Approach: A non-judgmental, empathetic, and firm-but-fair approach to student engagement.
- Desirable: Training in Team Teach or other positive handling/de-escalation strategies is a significant advantage.
- Compliance: A valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
- Availability: Full-time (Monday – Friday) during term time.
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay: £85 - £110 per day, paid weekly via PAYE.
- Wakefield Expertise: A dedicated consultant with deep knowledge of West Yorkshire schools.
- Professional Growth: Access to free CPD, including Safeguarding and Team Teach refresher courses.
- Rewarding Work: The chance to make a real impact on the lives of Wakefield's most vulnerable young people.
- Bonus: "Refer a Friend" schemes.
How to Apply
If you have the grit and passion to succeed in a Wakefield PRU, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV via the application link to be considered for this rewarding role.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates must undergo a formal registration process.
Sen Teaching Assistant in Wakefield employer: GAC Education
Contact Detail:
GAC Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sen Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the lookout for a SEMH Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and behaviour management. We recommend role-playing with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting vulnerable young people during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares!
✨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 looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team in making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Sen Teaching Assistant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of SEMH Teaching Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience you have with SEMH, ADHD, or challenging behaviours, and don’t forget to mention your resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in a Pupil Referral Unit and how your approach aligns with our values. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight any training you have in de-escalation techniques or Team Teach. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development and can bring those skills to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at GAC Education
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Understand the specific needs of pupils in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and demonstrate your 'thick skin' approach, as this is crucial for working in a PRU environment.
✨Emphasise Your Mentoring Skills
Talk about your experience in building trusting relationships with students. Share specific instances where you acted as a positive role model and how you’ve successfully engaged pupils who may have had negative experiences with education.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to behaviour management and support strategies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.