Pastoral Support & SEN Teaching Assistant - Multi-Site Provision (Glou in Gloucester

We are recruiting Pastoral Support & SEN Teaching Assistants to join a specialist, multi-site SEMH provision across Gloucester (GL1, GL2 and GL19). These are dedicated classroom-based TA roles within well-established provisions. You will be placed within one of three settings, supporting pupils across primary, secondary or a girls-only school, depending on your experience and strengths.

About the Provision:

You will be joining a specialist, independent school supporting pupils with:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
• Autism (ASC), ADHD, OCD and PDA profiles
• Anxiety, emotional regulation needs and attachment difficulties
• Communication and sensory processing differences

Across three sites in Gloucester, the school delivers small class sizes, high staff ratios and a therapeutic, child-centred approach, focused on re-engaging pupils who may have previously struggled in mainstream education.

Each site offers a slightly different focus:

• GL19 (Secondary Provision) – supporting older pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• GL1 (Primary & Girls Secondary) – a nurturing setting with mixed age support
• GL2 (Girls-Only Secondary Provision) – focused pastoral and therapeutic support environment

About the Role:

As a Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Support Practitioner, you will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small-group support in a classroom setting
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour and engagement
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students who require stability and routine
• Assist with learning activities, structured interventions and life skills development
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
• Help maintain a calm, structured and supportive environment
• Support pupils who may experience anxiety, distress or behavioural challenges
• Contribute to a therapeutic and holistic approach to education

This is a hands-on, impactful role where strong relationships and consistency are key.

Who We’re Looking For:

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Learning Support Assistant
• Background in SEN, SEMH, pastoral support or behaviour mentoring
• Experience in care, residential settings, youth work or support roles
• Confidence supporting students with complex needs and emotional challenges

We also welcome strong recent graduates (e.g. Psychology, Education, Criminology) who have hands-on experience supporting young people.

Qualifications & Development:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications are highly desirable
• However, the school is willing to support and fund NVQ/TA qualifications for the right candidate

This makes it an excellent opportunity for experienced candidates looking to formalise their qualifications and progress.

Essential Skills & Qualities:

• Calm, consistent and emotionally intelligent approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage behaviour positively and professionally
• Resilience and confidence in challenging situations
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)

What You Will Receive:

• Competitive weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
• Placement within a stable, long-term school setting
• Opportunity to work in a specialist, well-supported provision
• Funded training and NVQ/TA qualification support
• Access to CPD including SEN, behaviour and safeguarding
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
• Opportunities for permanent contracts across the sites

Why This Role Stands Out:

This is not a standard TA role. You will be working in a highly supportive, specialist environment with:

• Small class sizes and strong staff collaboration
• A therapeutic, child-centred approach
• Opportunities to work across different provisions and age groups
• Clear progression pathways within SEN and pastoral education
• Your role will directly contribute to re-engaging students and improving long-term outcomes.

If you have relevant experience and are looking for a meaningful, long-term role across well-supported Gloucester provisions, we would love to hear from you. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.