New Directions are seeking a resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in South Manchester. This is a full-time, long-term role starting in September 2026, supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The successful candidate will support pupils who may have experienced trauma, disrupted education, exclusion from mainstream settings and challenging circumstances. We are looking for someone with previous experience working with SEMH or SEND who can build strong relationships, manage challenging behaviour and provide consistent, nurturing support.
The Role
• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with SEMH and SEND needs
• Build positive and trusting relationships to encourage engagement with learning
• Support pupils who may display challenging behaviour using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and differentiated learning
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, confidence and social development
• Work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to follow individual support and behaviour plans
• Help create a safe, structured and positive learning environment
The Candidate
• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH or SEND is essential
• Experience within a PRU, SEMH school, alternative provision, SEND setting, care or youth work is highly desirable
• Confident managing challenging behaviour and remaining calm in difficult situations
• A patient, resilient and nurturing approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build positive relationships with young people who may have barriers to learning
• Team Teach or other behaviour management training is desirable but not essential
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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