Job Description
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:
1. Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small nurture groups
2. Helping young people build self‑confidence, emotional regulation, and social skills
3. Providing targeted intervention to re‑engage pupils with learning
4. Supporting behaviour using trauma‑informed, positive, and consistent approaches
5. Assisting pupils during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
6. Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
7. Observing, recording, and sharing progress to support individual development plans
8. Promoting a safe, calm, and nurturing learning environment
We’d love to hear from you if you:
9. Are calm, empathetic, and resilient
10. Have experience supporting young people in secondary schools or similar settings
11. Understand nurture principles, SEMH needs, or trauma‑informed practice
12. Can set clear boundaries while maintaining positive, trusting relationships
13. Are passionate about supporting young people through challenges
14. Work well as part of a team and communicate confidently with staff and families
Experience & requirements:
15. Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or working with young people is desirable
16. A genuine interest in supporting pupils with emotional and behavioural needs
17. Willingness to complete safeguarding and relevant training if required
18. An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to apply)
Why this role is so rewarding:
19. Make a lasting difference during a critical stage of a young person’s life
20. Help students feel confident, regulated, and ready to learn
21. Be part of a caring, supportive secondary school team
22. 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:
23. A dedicated and expert Account Manager
24. Regular and varied supply work
25. Competitive rates of pay
26. Potential long-term teaching roles
27. Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
28. A network of branches across the UK
29. Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
30. Recommend-a-friend scheme
31. Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.
Please select Apply Now to enquire about this job vacancy with New Directions Education Ltd, Leeds branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.