Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: £85 - £110 per day
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-term
Setting: Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / Alternative Provision
About the Role
Are you a resilient, high-energy individual who thrives in challenging environments? We are currently seeking a committed Teaching Assistant to join a specialized Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Wakefield.
This role is centered on supporting pupils who have been disengaged from mainstream education, many of whom face significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges and display complex behaviors. You will work as part of a tight-knit team to re-engage these young people, helping them build confidence and academic stability in a non-traditional classroom setting.
Key Responsibilities
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Engagement: Provide 1:1 and small group intervention to re-engage pupils with their learning.
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Behavior Management: Use proven de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively.
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Mentoring: Act as a positive role model, building strong, trusting relationships with students who may have had negative experiences with education.
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Support: Assist Class Teachers in delivering adapted lessons that meet the specific emotional and academic needs of the pupils.
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Progress Tracking: Monitor emotional wellbeing and behavioral progress, providing detailed feedback to the Senior Leadership Team.
Requirements
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Experience: Previous experience working with SEMH, ADHD, or challenging behavior (PRU, Youth Work, or Residential Care backgrounds are highly valued).
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Resilience: A "thick skin" and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
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Approach: A non-judgmental, empathetic, and firm-but-fair approach to student engagement.
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Desirable: Training in Team Teach or other positive handling/de-escalation strategies is a significant advantage.
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Compliance: A valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
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Availability: Full-time (Monday – Friday) during term time.
What We Offer
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Competitive Pay: £85 - £110 per day, paid weekly via PAYE.
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Wakefield Expertise: A dedicated consultant with deep knowledge of West Yorkshire schools.
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Professional Growth: Access to free CPD, including Safeguarding and Team Teach refresher courses.
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Rewarding Work: The chance to make a real impact on the lives of Wakefield's most vulnerable young people.
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Bonus: "Refer a Friend" schemes.
How to Apply
If you have the grit and passion to succeed in a Wakefield PRU, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV via the application link to be considered for this rewarding role.
> We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates must undergo a formal registration process