At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs to help them thrive.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Portland School, part of Shaw Education Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on empowering young minds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or SEND is a plus; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27254 - 30024 £ per year.
Employer Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time
Salary: Grade 6 £27,254-£30,024 FTE Pay Award Pending
Posted: 22nd May 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Expires: 5th June 2026 09:00 AM
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with pupils who require social, emotional, and mental health support, helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.
Key Responsibilities- Provide targeted behavioural and emotional support to pupils with SEMH needs.
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on behaviour regulation, emotional wellbeing, and engagement.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
- Support pupils in managing challenging behaviours using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and external professionals.
- Contribute to behaviour support plans, risk assessments, and progress monitoring.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or behavioural needs.
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
- Patience, empathy, resilience, and consistency.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches is desirable.
- Relevant qualifications in education, youth work, psychology, counselling, or behaviour support are advantageous.
At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. We are a split site school with two provisions to meet different needs, one at Trent Vale and one at Blythe Bridge. We have an amazing staff team who work tirelessly to support approximately 140 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
As a specialist school our pupils benefit from smaller class sizes, a more practical curriculum, access to alternative accreditations and a highly trained staff team. Both sites have spacious grounds allowing us to provide outdoor education, with our Blythe Bridge site boasting specialist classrooms for Design and technology, Art and Design, Science, Food technology and PE.
At the heart of our school are a set of shared values where our entire school community are supported to develop a sense of Respect, Responsibility, Belonging, Independence, show a Team Approach and look after their own Mental Toughness.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together, let's make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free Discount For Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Career Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £20,866-£22,987
Working hours: 32.5, term time only plus 5 days INSET
Safeguarding Statement: Portland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Behaviour Support/Intervention x 2 positions employer: The Shaw Education Trust
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering our staff and students alike. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering extensive training opportunities and a supportive environment where every voice is valued. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, and a commitment to work-life balance, joining our team means making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support/Intervention x 2 positions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour support and emotional wellbeing. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting young people during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, focusing on your empathy and resilience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support/Intervention x 2 positions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH and behavioural needs. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of supporting pupils in overcoming barriers to learning.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your behaviour management and de-escalation skills. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate patience, empathy, and resilience in their written application.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value authenticity, so share your passion for working with children and young people. Tell us why you’re excited about the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of Behaviour Support/Intervention. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and the specific challenges pupils face. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission to empower young minds.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your behaviour management and de-escalation skills. Think of situations where you've successfully supported children with challenging behaviours, using restorative or trauma-informed approaches. Real-life stories resonate well!
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the panel. Show your empathy and understanding of the students' needs. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can build positive relationships, so let your personality shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about their approach to behaviour support plans or how they foster a nurturing environment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school’s values.