training and education
E-learning modules
£90 - £95 per day
Thetford
Are you a highly resilient, proactive, and calm Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) with a strong background in supporting students who exhibit challenging behaviours?
Do you possess the expertise to implement effective de-escalation techniques and apply consistent, positive strategies for managing pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or complex behavioural profiles?
We are seeking a dedicated professional to join a supportive and structured school environment in the Thetford area. If you are passionate about transforming complex challenges into positive outcomes and fostering a structured learning environment, this role is for you.
The Role
An excellent and impactful opportunity exists for an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to work within a well-regarded provision near Thetford. This position is specifically focused on supporting students who require intensive behavioural and emotional guidance to manage their SEMH needs and access their education.
Your skills will be paramount in helping students develop self-regulation, improve their social interactions, and manage their responses to frustration or conflict. You will typically work on a 1:1 basis or with a small, focused group of pupils, ensuring clarity, consistency, and a therapeutic presence throughout the school day.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide direct, focused support to pupils identified with SEMH or complex behavioural needs, diligently working towards their personal and behavioural targets.
- Masterfully implement school-wide and individualised Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans, utilising de-escalation techniques to manage anxiety and prevent crisis situations.
- Act as a consistent and reliable adult figure, supporting pupils through high-stress periods like unstructured breaks or lesson transitions.
- Collaborate closely with teachers and the pastoral team to adapt lesson materials and provide scaffolding, ensuring the curriculum remains accessible despite emotional barriers.
- Lead small-group interventions focused on developing emotional literacy, social skills, and conflict resolution.
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and objective records of all incidents, interventions used, and successful strategies to inform ongoing risk assessments and support planning.
- Participate actively in relevant training, ensuring your de-escalation and positive handling skills are current and effective.
Essential Profile
- Previous professional experience supporting children or young people with significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or persistent challenging behaviour.
- Proven ability to remain calm and consistent under pressure, applying boundaries with fairness and authority.
- Familiarity with structured behaviour intervention strategies (e.g., PBS, Restorative Practice, or similar) and a genuine understanding of the underlying causes of emotional dysregulation.
- High levels of personal resilience, stamina, and a proactive, solution-oriented approach to complex situations.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build trust quickly with vulnerable students and report clearly to staff.
- Possession of an Enhanced Child DBS on the update service (or willingness to complete one promptly).
Benefits of Joining Us
- A competitive daily pay rate of £90 - £95, commensurate with your vital experience in managing complex behaviour.
- Placement within a highly supportive and team-oriented school in the Thetford area, with strong pastoral leadership.
- Opportunities for specialist, certified training in behaviour management, de-escalation, and safeguarding.
- A deeply fulfilling role offering clear professional progression and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a pupil's life trajectory.
- £300 Refer A Friend scheme (terms apply).
How to Apply
If you are a dedicated, specialist support professional ready to make a significant positive impact in a Thetford SEN school, please apply immediately with your CV or contact Neeraj at neeraj.kommaravalli@randstad.co.uk for more information.
We are the UK market leader for recruitment in education. We have nearly two decades of experience helping teachers and support staff find temporary and permanent roles in schools, colleges, and nurseries. We partner with over 2,500 schools each week, supporting more than 135,000 children every day across the country, which allows us to find the right match for your skills.
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