Do you believe that connection comes before correction? Are you passionate about helping young people feel safe, understood, and ready to learn during a crucial stage of their development?
New Directions Education is recruiting a compassionate, patient, and motivated Nurture Teaching Assistant to support pupils in Key Stage 3 within a supportive and inclusive secondary school setting.
This role is perfect for someone who understands that early secondary school can be challenging and that the right emotional support can transform a young person’s confidence, behaviour, and engagement with learning.
About the role:
As a KS3 Nurture Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils who may be struggling with social, emotional, or behavioural needs. You’ll work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to create a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils feel secure, valued, and ready to succeed.
You’ll play a vital role in helping young people develop emotional regulation, resilience, and positive relationships at a key transition point in their education.
Your role will include:
Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small nurture groups
Helping young people build self‑confidence, emotional regulation, and social skills
Providing targeted intervention to re‑engage pupils with learning
Supporting behaviour using trauma‑informed, positive, and consistent approaches
Assisting pupils during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
Observing, recording, and sharing progress to support individual development plans
Promoting a safe, calm, and nurturing learning environment
We’d love to hear from you if you:
Are calm, empathetic, and resilient
Have experience supporting young people in secondary schools or similar settings
Understand nurture principles, SEMH needs, or trauma‑informed practice
Can set clear boundaries while maintaining positive, trusting relationships
Are passionate about supporting young people through challenges
Work well as part of a team and communicate confidently with staff and families
Experience & requirements:
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or working with young people is desirable
A genuine interest in supporting pupils with emotional and behavioural needs
Willingness to complete safeguarding and relevant training if required
An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to apply)
Why this role is so rewarding:
Make a lasting difference during a critical stage of a young person’s life
Help students feel confident, regulated, and ready to learn
Be part of a caring, supportive secondary school team
Develop valuable skills in nurture, SEMH, and pastoral support
Apply today
All roles are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
A dedicated and expert Account Manager
Regular and varied supply work
Competitive rates of pay
Potential long-term teaching roles
Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
A network of branches across the UK
Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
Recommend-a-friend scheme
Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment
Business in relation
to this vacancy.