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- Tasks: Support primary-aged children with SEMH needs through tailored emotional and behavioural strategies.
- Company: A nurturing school environment focused on helping children thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, and ongoing support from experienced consultants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification in childcare or relevant experience with SEMH/SEN needs.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 36480 £ per year.
Our client school's Alternative Provision in Portsmouth is seeking calm, resilient, and relationship-focused Behaviour Support Workers to support primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The provision supports pupils who may have experienced disrupted education, trauma, anxiety, or difficulties engaging in a mainstream setting, and offers a nurturing, structured environment where every child is supported to thrive.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is passionate about helping children build emotional resilience, develop positive behaviour strategies, and re-engage with learning through trust, consistency, and therapeutic approaches.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing individualised behaviour and emotional support to primary pupils with SEMH needs
- Supporting children who may display emotional dysregulation, anxiety, low self-esteem, or challenging behaviour
- Using de-escalation, restorative approaches, and trauma-informed practice to maintain a safe, calm environment
- Encouraging engagement through creative, practical, and therapeutic activities tailored to each child's needs
- Promoting emotional wellbeing, positive routines, and pro-social behaviour throughout the school day
- Helping pupils develop communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, and independence
- Building strong, trusting relationships through clear boundaries, consistency, and empathy
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral leads, and external professionals to deliver holistic, child-centred support
Contract Details
- Location: Portsmouth
- Position: Behaviour Support Worker - Alternative Provision (Primary SEMH)
- Start Date: ASAP
- Contract Type: Full-time, with potential for long-term or permanent opportunities
- Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30
- Pay Rate: From £14 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications)
Requirements
- Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK
- Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
- Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
- Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, health & social care, or have relevant experience supporting children with SEMH/SEN needs
What We Offer
- Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, and de-escalation
- Access to a specialist Training & Development Team
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant experienced in SEMH and Alternative Provision settings
- A warm, supportive team culture with clear opportunities for professional growth
Know someone who would thrive in an SEMH or Alternative Provision environment? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation.
Behaviour Support Worker - Portsmouth employer: Prospero Teaching
Contact Detail:
Prospero Teaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Worker - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those working 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 your passion! When you get an interview, be sure to share your experiences and why you're passionate about supporting children with SEMH needs. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your skills and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for scenario questions! Employers love to see how you handle challenging situations. Think of examples where you've used de-escalation techniques or built trusting relationships with children, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Behaviour Support Worker role. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining our supportive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support Worker - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Behaviour Support Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with SEMH needs shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to helping kids thrive in a nurturing environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your main points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us quickly and you can easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospero Teaching
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Behaviour Support Worker and the specific needs of children with SEMH. Familiarise yourself with key terms like emotional dysregulation and trauma-informed practice. This will help you speak confidently about how you can support these children.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for helping children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting young people with emotional and behavioural challenges. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to explain how you'd handle specific situations involving children with SEMH needs. Think about examples from your past experiences and be ready to discuss your approach to de-escalation and building trust with pupils.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the school's approach to behaviour support and how they foster a nurturing environment. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in the well-being of the children you'll be working with.
