Job Description
Teaching Assistant
* Annual Salary: From £95 per day
* Location: Plymouth
* Job Type: Temporary (01/06/2026 - 22/07/2026)
* Working Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Thursday, Friday until midday
We are looking for a dedicated and emotionally aware Teaching Assistant to support a pupil with demand avoidance and emotional regulation needs within a primary classroom in Plymouth. This role requires a compassionate individual who can provide consistent, calm, and flexible support, helping the pupil to feel safe, understood, and ready to re-engage with learning at their own pace.
Day-to-Day of the Role:
* Provide low-demand, non-confrontational support throughout the school day.
* Respond sensitively to fluctuating emotional states and levels of engagement.
* Adapt communication style as needed, using calm reassurance or positive encouragement depending on the situation.
* Support transitions, particularly from preferred or reward-based activities back into learning.
* Use visual supports such as visual timetables to help structure the day.
* Work alongside classroom routines while remaining flexible when strategies are not effective.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Demonstrated ability to remain calm, patient, and emotionally resilient in unpredictable situations.
* Focused on emotional regulation rather than behaviour compliance.
* Experience in, or keen to learn about, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) informed approaches.
* Ability to remain consistent, supportive, and understanding during extended periods of dysregulation.
* Skilled in adapting teaching strategies to meet the needs of pupils without increasing pressure or demands.
Benefits:
* Competitive daily rate starting at £95.
* Supportive and inclusive working environment.
* On-site car parking available.
* Opportunity to contribute significantly to the personal and educational development of pupils.
How to Apply:
To apply for this Teaching Assistant position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in supporting children with complex emotional needs. Further details about the pupil will be shared with suitable candidates.