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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching staff and build strong relationships with pupils in a structured environment.
- Company: A supportive secondary Alternative Provision school in Leicester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and help young people overcome challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-pressure environments and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a cohesive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester
Contract: Full-time
Start: Easter 2026
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Your new school
This secondary Alternative Provision in Leicester supports pupils with significant Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who require a highly structured, therapeutic, and resilient learning environment. The school offers small class sizes, a strong pastoral model, and a behaviour framework designed to help young people re-engage with education. Staff work as a tight, supportive team, and the setting is known for its high expectations, consistent boundaries, and commitment to helping pupils build positive futures.
Your new role
As an Assistant Practitioner, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, stable, and purposeful environment for pupils who present with high levels of behaviour and complex needs. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting teaching staff in delivering tailored learning and behaviour interventions.
- Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma, exclusion, or instability.
- De-escalating challenging situations using calm, consistent, and professional approaches.
- Acting as a positive role model, promoting resilience, respect, and emotional regulation.
- Contributing to behaviour plans, safeguarding processes, and multi-agency work.
- Maintaining professionalism and composure in a high pressure, fast paced environment.
This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in structured, disciplined settings and who can remain calm, assertive, and solution focused under pressure.
What you'll need to succeed
The school is looking for someone with proven experience in high pressure, high challenge environments. Candidates from the following backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Ex military
- Prison or custodial services
- Youth offending teams
- Secure or residential care
- Behaviour focused education or alternative provision
You will also need:
- A resilient, confident, and professional approach to behaviour.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport quickly.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
- The ability to work as part of a cohesive, supportive team.
- A willingness to undertake relevant training (Team Teach, safeguarding, trauma informed practice).
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Assistant Practitioner in Oadby employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Practitioner in Oadby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour management and emotional support. We suggest role-playing with a friend to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. This will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to help you navigate the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Practitioner in Oadby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Practitioner role. Highlight any relevant experience in high-pressure environments, especially if you come from backgrounds like military or youth services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about supporting pupils with SEMH needs. Share specific examples of how you've built trusting relationships or de-escalated challenging situations in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strong communication skills. We want to see how you can build rapport quickly and work effectively within a team, so don’t hold back on sharing those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our supportive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know the Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils in Alternative Provision settings. Understand the challenges they face and how your role as an Assistant Practitioner can make a difference. This will show your commitment and readiness to support their emotional and educational needs.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to remain calm and assertive under pressure. Whether it’s from military service or working in high-stress environments, share stories that showcase your resilience and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport Quickly
Practice your communication skills before the interview. Think about how you can establish trust and rapport with pupils who may have experienced trauma. Be ready to discuss techniques you’ve used in the past to connect with young people and de-escalate challenging situations.
✨Show Your Commitment to Training
Express your willingness to undertake relevant training, such as Team Teach or trauma-informed practice. Highlight any previous training you've completed that relates to safeguarding and behaviour management, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to professional development.