Secondary PRU Teaching Assistant

Location: Bolton
Salary: Competitive daily rate (£90-£115 per day, dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time | Temp to Perm
Start Date: ASAP

Tradewind Recruitment are proud to be working in partnership with an Outstanding-rated Secondary SEMH Provision in Bolton to recruit a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant.

This specialist setting supports young people aged 11-16 with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including ADHD, Autism, attachment difficulties, trauma, anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance and social, emotional and behavioural challenges. The school provides a nurturing, therapeutic and highly structured environment that enables pupils to re-engage with education, develop emotional resilience and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly experienced team that takes a trauma-informed, relationship-led approach to supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in education.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Building positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils who may have experienced previous challenges within education.
• Supporting students to develop emotional regulation, self-confidence and resilience.
• Implementing individual behaviour support plans and targeted interventions.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated lessons.
• Encouraging participation and engagement in learning activities.
• Supporting pupils throughout the school day, including lessons, social times and transitions.
• Promoting positive behaviour through restorative, nurturing and trauma-informed approaches.
• Managing challenging behaviour effectively using agreed behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Supporting pupils to develop social skills, independence and emotional wellbeing.
• Monitoring pupil progress and communicating effectively with teaching and pastoral staff.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

About the School

This Outstanding provision is widely recognised for its exceptional pastoral support, strong leadership and commitment to helping pupils achieve success despite significant barriers to education.

The school offers:

• Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios.
• A highly supportive and collaborative staff team.
• Bespoke learning pathways tailored to individual needs.
• Strong therapeutic and pastoral support structures.
• Excellent facilities and resources.
• A focus on emotional wellbeing, personal development and future aspirations.
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Clear behaviour systems and a consistent whole-school approach.

Staff are passionate about helping young people succeed, and the school places relationship-building and consistency at the heart of its practice.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Be confident working with secondary-aged pupils who can present with dysregulated behaviours.
• Demonstrate patience, resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Have a strong understanding of behaviour support and positive relationship-building.
• Remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Be able to establish firm, consistent boundaries while maintaining positive relationships.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to achieve positive outcomes.

Desirable Experience

Applications are welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in:

• SEMH Schools
• Alternative Provisions
• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
• Youth Work
• Children's Residential Care
• Behaviour Mentoring
• Sports Coaching
• SEND Support
• Mental Health Support Work

Highly Desirable

• Physical Intervention training such as Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA or equivalent.
• Experience using positive handling strategies when required and appropriate.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.
• Experience implementing behaviour support plans and de-escalation techniques.

Why Join Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive rates of pay, paid weekly.
• Access to over 2,500 CPD courses through The National College.
• Dedicated support from an experienced SEND consultant.
• Free interview preparation and career guidance.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent employment.
• Generous referral bonus scheme.
• The chance to secure a permanent role within an Outstanding specialist provision.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding opportunity within an Outstanding specialist setting, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through Tradewind Recruitment and take the next step in making a genuine difference to the lives of young people across Bolton.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.