Behaviour Support Assistant

We are currently recruiting dedicated and experienced SEMH Support Assistants to join our team on a full-time, temporary basis with a view to permanency following a successful 12-week probationary period. The positions are based across various specialist and mainstream schools in the Bournemouth and Poole area, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs at both primary and secondary level.

These roles offer an immediate start and represent an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking long-term employment within specialist educational settings. This is a full-time position covering the full school day on a term-time-only basis. You will be engaged initially on a temporary contract with a 12-week probationary period. Subject to satisfactory performance and attendance during this period, there is a strong possibility of transferring to a permanent contract with the school or trust.

The role is based across a number of school sites in the Bournemouth and Poole area, and you must be willing to travel between locations as required by staffing needs. The position is available for an immediate start, and interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis.

The Setting

You will be working within small, highly supportive classes of between 5 and 8 pupils, each led by a qualified teacher and supported by 1 to 2 additional support staff. This low pupil-to-staff ratio ensures that you are able to build meaningful, consistent relationships with the children in your care and contribute effectively to a calm, structured learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, both within the classroom and during unstructured times
• Implement individual behaviour support plans and personalised learning strategies under the guidance of the class teacher and SENCO
• Use de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies to support pupils who may display challenging or distressed behaviours
• Foster trusting professional relationships with pupils, acting as a consistent and reliable adult figure within the school day
• Liaise with teaching staff, therapists and senior leaders to monitor pupil progress and adapt support strategies accordingly
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil reviews and multi-agency meetings as required
• Promote the social, emotional and academic development of every pupil, recognising and celebrating incremental progress

Person Specification

Essential

• Prior experience supporting children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or associated special educational needs
• A calm, resilient and non-judgemental professional approach
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with pupils, colleagues and families
• Reliable, adaptable and willing to work across different school sites within Bournemouth and Poole as required
• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom

Desirable

• Team Teach training or equivalent physical intervention certification
• Understanding of attachment-based practice, trauma-informed approaches or related therapeutic frameworks
• Experience within specialist SEMH provision, Pupil Referral Units or alternative provision settings
• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, youth work or health and social care

Training and Development

Team Teach certification is preferred, however, comprehensive training will be provided for candidates who do not currently hold this qualification. We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff and offer continued support throughout your employment.