At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs in a calm and structured environment.
- Company: Leading Pupil Referral Unit focused on positive impact and student support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 24/7 consultant support, CPD training, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping students thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or supporting challenging behaviour is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you have experience in youth work, looking for work as a Teaching Assistant to work in alternative provision or Pupil referrals supporting young people with challenging behaviour and additional learning needs? We are working with a leading Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and several SEND/ALN schools to recruit confident, resilient, and passionate staff to support pupils aged 11–16 with a wide range of complex needs. These roles suit candidates with experience in youth work, SEMH, challenging behaviour, alternative provision, or SEND classrooms. If you are calm under pressure, strong with boundaries, and motivated to make a positive impact, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.
About the Role – PRU & SEND Support
As a Youth Worker / ALN LSA / SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support students with:
- SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
- EBD (Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties)
- ADHD / ADD
- Challenging behaviour, including verbal or physical escalation
Daily responsibilities include:
- 1:1 support and small-group interventions
- Behaviour management and de-escalation
- Building positive relationships with pupils who need consistency
- Supporting learning, emotional regulation and personalised programmes
- Maintaining a calm, structured and supportive environment
To apply for this PRU Youth Worker or SEND/ALN Teaching Assistant role, you must have:
- At least 6 months’ experience supporting challenging young people
- Experience in PRUs, SEND settings, youth work or alternative education
- Strong written and spoken English
- Right to work in the UK
- A 5-year employment history with all gaps explained
- Two years of references, including one from an education or care setting
- Enhanced DBS (and overseas police checks if applicable)
- A resilient, patient and nurturing approach
Why Work With Us?
We offer some of the best benefits for SEN support staff and Youth Workers in education recruitment:
- PAYE payroll no hidden admin charges
- A dedicated consultant team available 24/7
- Guaranteed Payment Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Access to My-Progression CPD training and certificates
- £100 referral bonus for recommending a friend (T&Cs apply)
Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Cardiff employer: TeacherActive
Join a leading Pupil Referral Unit where your passion for supporting young people with complex needs can truly make a difference. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values resilience and dedication, offering excellent benefits such as 24/7 consultant support, CPD training opportunities, and a guaranteed payment scheme. This role not only allows you to impact the lives of students aged 11-16 but also provides a pathway for your professional growth in a rewarding educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in youth work or education. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and challenging behaviour. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through volunteering or shadowing opportunities. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience in PRUs or SEND settings. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of fantastic roles waiting for passionate individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and get your application in – we’re here to help you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in youth work and any relevant roles you've had in PRUs or SEND settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting young people with complex needs. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Resilience:In this line of work, resilience is key. Make sure to mention situations where you've successfully managed challenging behaviour or maintained a calm environment. We want to know how you handle pressure and support students effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at TeacherActive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEMH, EBD, and other complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges these students face and think about how your experience in youth work can help you support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenging behaviour in the past. Highlight your calmness under pressure and your ability to set strong boundaries while still being nurturing.
✨Build a Connection
Demonstrate your passion for making a positive impact by discussing how you build relationships with young people. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with students who have complex needs and how you maintain consistency in your approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the school environment. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the team and support the students.
