Behavioural Support Assistant

Behavioural Support Assistant

Temporary 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a SEMH school.
  • Company: Join Protocol Education, dedicated to transforming lives through education and support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy weekly pay, free training, and expert support from a caring consultant.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with challenging behaviour is essential; training can be provided if needed.
  • Other info: This role may lead to permanent opportunities; safeguarding checks are mandatory.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Behavioural Support Assistant – SEMH School | Lewisham

Not every day will be easy, but every day will matter.

We’re looking for brilliant, resilient Behavioural Support Assistants to join an outstanding SEMH school to work with young people who need structure, patience, and someone who genuinely won’t give up on them.

These students might test boundaries, push back, or come with big emotions—but with the right support, they can (and do) achieve incredible things.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs—many of whom display challenging behaviours.
  • Providing steady, consistent 1:1 and small group support, helping pupils regulate emotions and stay engaged in learning.
  • Building trusted relationships with young people who don’t always trust easily.
  • Working closely with teachers and behaviour specialists to develop positive routines and de-escalation strategies.

About You:

  • You’ve got experience working with young people with challenging behaviour (schools, youth work, sports, mentoring, or similar).
  • You’re calm under pressure, know how to hold firm boundaries, and always approach behaviour with empathy.
  • You’re patient, emotionally intelligent, and understand that progress is rarely a straight line.
  • Thrive training or Team Teach is a big plus—if not, we can offer free training to help you build your toolkit.

What’s On Offer:

  • Long-term, full-time role in a fantastic SEMH school with real support.
  • Weekly PAYE pay—no umbrella deductions, no surprises.
  • FREE Thrive training and access to Protocol Education’s CPD Academy.
  • Expert support from a local consultant who genuinely cares about matching you with the right school.

Why This Role Matters:

In an SEMH school, you won’t just be supporting learning—you’ll be changing lives. You’ll be the calm when things get tough, the steady hand when a student’s having a bad day, and the person who helps them believe they can do better.

Up for the challenge? Apply now or get in touch to find out more.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.

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Behavioural Support Assistant employer: Protocol Education Ltd

At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Our SEMH school in Lewisham offers a supportive work culture where Behavioural Support Assistants can thrive, with access to free training and continuous professional development opportunities. Join us to be part of a team that values resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of education, all while enjoying competitive pay and expert guidance from caring consultants.
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Contact Detail:

Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Behavioural Support Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students in SEMH settings. Understanding the challenges they face will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting their emotional and mental health.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any relevant experience you have working with young people, especially those with challenging behaviours. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed difficult situations or built trust with students.

✨Tip Number 3

Research Thrive training and Team Teach methods, even if you haven't completed them yet. Showing that you're proactive about learning these techniques can set you apart and demonstrate your dedication to professional development.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with students who may be distrustful. Think about strategies you've used in the past to create a safe and supportive environment, as this is crucial for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Behavioural Support Assistant

Experience with challenging behaviour
Empathy and emotional intelligence
Patience and resilience
Ability to build trusted relationships
Calmness under pressure
Understanding of social, emotional, and mental health needs
Knowledge of de-escalation strategies
Strong communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and specialists
Adaptability in a dynamic environment
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare
Experience in mentoring or youth work
Training in Thrive or Team Teach (or willingness to undertake training)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Behavioural Support Assistant. Highlight key skills such as patience, empathy, and experience with challenging behaviours.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience working with young people, particularly in settings that involve social, emotional, and mental health needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people and your understanding of their needs. Mention any relevant training, like Thrive or Team Teach, and explain how you can contribute positively to the school environment.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd

✨Show Your Empathy

During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the emotional and mental health needs of young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported students with challenging behaviours, highlighting your empathetic approach.

✨Discuss Behaviour Management Strategies

Be prepared to talk about various behaviour management techniques you've used in the past. Discuss how you’ve implemented de-escalation strategies and built positive routines, as this will show your ability to create a supportive learning environment.

✨Highlight Your Resilience

Working in an SEMH school can be tough, so it's important to convey your resilience. Share stories that illustrate how you've remained calm under pressure and maintained firm boundaries while still being supportive and understanding.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the school. Inquire about their approach to training and support for staff, or how they measure success in supporting students with SEMH needs.

Behavioural Support Assistant
Protocol Education Ltd
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