Job Title: Teaching Assistant – Security / Ex-Forces Background Welcome
Location: Various SEN Schools (SEMH, Alternative Provision & PRU Settings)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Start Date: Immediate / Ongoing Recruitment
Are You Ready for a New Mission?
We are actively recruiting individuals from security, armed forces, prison service, police, and other disciplined services backgrounds who are looking to transition into a rewarding career within the education sector.
If you have the resilience, situational awareness, leadership, and calm-under-pressure mindset developed in high-pressure environments — your skills are highly transferable to Special Educational Needs (SEN) education.
About the Role
We are seeking proactive, resilient, and adaptable Teaching Assistants to work within:
SEN Schools
SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) provisions
Alternative Provision settings
PRU (Pupil Referral Units)
You will support students who may display challenging behaviour, have experienced trauma, or require additional structure and emotional guidance to thrive in education.
This is not a passive classroom role — it requires presence, confidence, consistency, and a “can-do” approach.
Why Security & Ex-Forces Backgrounds Excel in This Role
Your experience likely includes:
De-escalation and conflict management
Strong communication and command presence
Emotional resilience
Clear boundary setting
Teamwork and leadership
Risk awareness and safeguarding mindset
The ability to remain calm under pressure
These are critical skills when supporting vulnerable young people who need positive role models and structured guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting students 1:1 or in small groups
Managing behaviour positively and consistently
Assisting teachers in delivering structured learning
Acting as a mentor and stable adult role model
Promoting emotional regulation and personal development
Working collaboratively with teaching and safeguarding teams
Ideal Candidate
Background in Armed Forces, Security, Police, Prison Service, or similar
Interested in building a long-term career in education
Passionate about supporting young people with additional needs
Resilient, patient, and adaptable
Strong boundaries but approachable
Team player with initiative
Willing to undertake training (Team Teach, safeguarding, SEN awareness)
This Is More Than a Job
For many of our staff, this role provides:
A new sense of purpose
The opportunity to mentor and guide young people who need strong role models
A career with progression and stability
If you're ready to transfer your skills into education and make a meaningful difference in SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision or PRU environments — we want to hear from you.
If you're interested please send an email over to (url removed).
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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