Learning Support Assistant (SEN / Behaviour Support)
Agency: Teaching Personnel
Location: Thornaby
Start Date: April / May 2026
Hours: Full-time and part-time opportunities available
About the Role
Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with secondary schools across Thornaby to recruit Learning Support Assistants to provide SEN and behaviour support during the summer term.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, additional learning barriers, or challenging behaviour.
In this role, you will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to support pupils both in and out of the classroom. You will help students to engage with learning, regulate emotions, develop confidence, and build positive relationships—playing a vital role in their academic and personal development.
Who This Role Suits
This position is ideal for someone who is patient, resilient, and motivated to make a positive difference in young people’s lives. It would suit candidates with experience in:
* Education or school-based roles
* Care or support work
* Youth work or mentoring
* Psychology, sociology, or related fields
* Graduates or career-changers looking to move into SEN or education
Key Responsibilities
* Provide 1:1 and small group behaviour and learning support
* Support students with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, or additional learning barriers
* Implement agreed behaviour management strategies and individual support plans
* Assist with de-escalation, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution
* Support pupils within mainstream classrooms, intervention spaces, or alternative provision settings
* Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
* Monitor, record, and report on student behaviour, engagement, and progress
* Promote a safe, calm, and inclusive learning environment
The Ideal Candidate
Essential:
* Experience working with children or young people (education, care, youth work, or similar)
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* A calm, resilient, and adaptable approach
* Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people
Desirable:
* Experience in a UK secondary school or SEMH setting
* Knowledge of behaviour support strategies or trauma-informed practice
* Team Teach or Positive Handling training
* Relevant qualifications (e.g. Education, Psychology, Youth Work, Health & Social Care)
Why Work with Teaching Personnel?
* Access to a wide range of local schools and placements
* Flexible working to suit your availability
* Competitive pay rates, paid weekly
* Ongoing CPD and safeguarding training
* Dedicated support from an experienced local consultant
If you’re looking to build experience in SEN and behaviour support and want a rewarding role supporting young people in Thornaby, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to start your journey with Teaching Personnel.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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