At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join a leading education recruitment agency with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Market-leading pay, 24/7 consultant support, and CPD training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible roles available in PRUs and SEND schools with excellent career growth.
- 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
Essential Requirements
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:
- Market-leading pay rates (experience dependent)
- 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)
If you’re ready to make a difference in a PRU, SEND school, or alternative provision, click APPLY NOW. We will contact you to discuss suitable Youth Worker, ALN LSA, and SEN Teaching Assistant jobs available in your area.
About TeacherActive
TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.
Equal Opportunities Statement
TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.
Safeguarding and DBS Compliance
Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements. Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.
Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Thornhill employer: TeacherActive
At TeacherActive, we pride ourselves on being a leading education recruitment agency that values the dedication and passion of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with complex needs. With market-leading pay rates and a dedicated consultant team available 24/7, we provide an environment where you can thrive while making a difference in alternative provision and SEND settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Thornhill
✨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 Teaching Assistant roles. 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 be ready to share your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people with complex needs come through. They’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and is motivated to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and we’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that perfect Teaching Assistant job!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (complex needs) in Thornhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in youth work or any relevant roles. We want to see how you've supported young people with challenging behaviour and additional learning needs, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description, like SEMH and EBD, to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so avoid long-winded sentences and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at TeacherActive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of the role, especially around SEMH and EBD. Brush up on strategies for behaviour management and de-escalation techniques, as these will likely come up in your interview.
✨Share Your Experiences
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in youth work or similar settings. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported young people with challenging behaviour, and be ready to explain how you built positive relationships with them.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Since the role requires a calm approach under pressure, practice staying composed during your interview. You might even want to prepare for some situational questions that test your resilience and ability to handle challenging scenarios.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Show your interest by asking insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting students with complex needs. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and teaching style.
