Behaviour Support Assistant (Full-Time)
SEMH Secondary Provision – Bournemouth
Permanent Role | ASAP Start
GSL Education are proud to be working in partnership with a highly respected specialist secondary SEMH provision in Bournemouth, supporting young people who require a nurturing, structured and consistent environment to help them re-engage with education and build brighter futures.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a resilient, compassionate and proactive Behaviour Support Assistant to join a dedicated team who are committed to transforming the lives of young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
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About the Provision
This specialist setting supports secondary-aged students who have experienced significant challenges in their early lives, including trauma, adverse childhood experiences, disrupted education, and difficulties regulating emotions and behaviour.
As a result, many learners may present with:
* Social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH)
* Challenging or dysregulated behaviour linked to trauma
* Anxiety, low self-esteem, or attachment difficulties
* Difficulty engaging in mainstream education settings
The school provides a safe, structured and therapeutic learning environment where students are supported both academically and emotionally. The ultimate aim is to help every young person achieve meaningful qualifications where possible, but more importantly, to develop the life skills, resilience, and confidence they need to succeed beyond school whatever that pathway may look like.
Learning is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on building trust, positive relationships, and consistent boundaries that enable students to re-engage with education in a way that works for them.
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The Role
As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will:
* Support students in and out of the classroom to engage in learning
* Help manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies
* Build strong, trusting relationships with students who may have experienced trauma
* Work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to support individual behaviour plans
* Provide offsite support where required, including outreach work and alternative learning environments
* Promote emotional regulation, resilience and personal development
* Contribute to a safe, structured and supportive learning environment
This role is both challenging and highly rewarding, requiring consistency, empathy and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
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Requirements
To be successful in this role, you must have:
* A full UK driving licence
* Business insurance (essential due to offsite working requirements)
* A resilient, patient and empathetic approach
* Strong behaviour management skills or transferable experience
* Ideally previous experience working in schools or education settings (preferred)
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Who Thrives in This Role?
This type of role suits individuals who have experience in environments requiring structure, discipline, and relationship-building under pressure. We regularly see success from candidates with backgrounds such as:
* Ex-police officers
* Military personnel
* Security professionals
* Sports coaches
* Youth workers or mentors
* Residential support workers
School-based or education experience is highly desirable, but not essential for candidates with the right mindset, resilience and commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.
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What the School Offers
* A supportive and experienced staff team
* A structured, therapeutic approach to behaviour and learning
* Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
* A clear focus on student progress, wellbeing and long-term outcomes
* A chance to genuinely change lives every single day
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Why Work with GSL Education?
At GSL Education, we pride ourselves on matching the right people to the right roles. With experienced consultants who have a strong background in education, we are here to support you at every stage from application through to placement and beyond.
We take the time to understand your strengths, experience and career goals, ensuring we place you in a role where you can truly thrive.
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Apply Today
If you are passionate about supporting young people who need it most and are ready for a rewarding and meaningful challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Click apply now or contact GSL Education today to discuss this opportunity further.
Immediate interviews available for suitable candidates.