Location: Leicester Contract: Full‑time Start: Easter 2026 Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Your new school This secondary Alternative Provision in Leicester supports pupils with significant Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who require a highly structured, therapeutic, and resilient learning environment. The school offers small class sizes, a strong pastoral model, and a behaviour framework designed to help young people re-engage with education. Staff work as a tight, supportive team, and the setting is known for its high expectations, consistent boundaries, and commitment to helping pupils build positive futures. Your new role As an Assistant Practitioner, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, stable, and purposeful environment for pupils who present with high levels of behaviour and complex needs. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting teaching staff in delivering tailored learning and behaviour interventions. Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma, exclusion, or instability. De‑escalating challenging situations using calm, consistent, and professional approaches. Acting as a positive role model, promoting resilience, respect, and emotional regulation. Contributing to behaviour plans, safeguarding processes, and multi‑agency work. Maintaining professionalism and composure in a high pressure, fast paced environment. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in structured, disciplined settings and who can remain calm, assertive, and solution focused under pressure. What you'll need to succeed The school is looking for someone with proven experience in high pressure, high challenge environments. Candidates from the following backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply: Ex military Prison or custodial services Youth offending teams Secure or residential care Behaviour focused education or alternative provision You will also need: A resilient, confident, and professional approach to behaviour. Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport quickly. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. The ability to work as part of a cohesive, supportive team. A willingness to undertake relevant training (Team Teach, safeguarding, trauma informed practice). What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk