Balfor Recruitment
PRU Teaching Assistant (SEMH Focus)
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Job Type: Full-time, Ongoing
Salary: £85 – £110 per day (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
Balfor Recruitment is supporting an established education trust in the Walsall area to find a PRU Teaching Assistant (TA) to work with students who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. These students often face challenges with behaviour, and we are looking for a compassionate and dedicated individual who can provide support both in and outside of the classroom.
The role will involve working with primary and secondary students in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), where students are supported in a nurturing environment designed to help them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.
The Role
As a PRU Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with the teaching staff and other professionals to support students with behavioural and emotional difficulties. Your role will involve providing one-on-one and group support, managing challenging behaviour, and helping students build emotional resilience and coping strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support students with SEMH to help them engage in learning and manage behaviour.
- Implement positive behaviour strategies and provide de-escalation support.
- Assist with students during unstructured times such as breaks and lunch, ensuring safety and supervision.
- Build positive relationships with students to encourage their personal and social development.
- Work with the class teacher to implement tailored support plans for students.
- Monitor and report on student progress and behaviour.
- Help create a safe and supportive environment for students to express themselves.
Key Skills:
- Behaviour management: Ability to implement strategies to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for working with students, teachers, and staff.
- Empathy and patience: Understanding and supportive approach to students with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with teachers, pastoral staff, and external agencies.
- Resilience: Ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond to the needs of different students and situations.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally with SEMH or behavioural difficulties.
- A passion for supporting students and helping them overcome challenges.
- Good understanding of behaviour management techniques.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance from teachers and leadership.
- Enhanced DBS check (we can assist with this if needed).
- Valid Photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) and references from the past 2 years.
Why Work with Balfor Recruitment?
- Be part of a supportive and inclusive school environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Make a real difference in students’ lives.
What You Need to Do Now:
Submit your CV for consideration or email it directly to francesca@balfor.co.uk
If this role isn’t the right fit but you’re looking for a new opportunity, get in touch for a confidential conversation about your career.