Behaviour Support Assistant - PRU

Location: Hartlepool
Job Type: Temporary
Reference: 311027202
Salary: £90 - £100/day
Job Published: 23 March 2026

Some pupils just need the right adult beside them, someone calm, patient and consistent who believes they can succeed, even on the tough days.

We’re working with a Pupil Referral Unit in Hartlepool that is looking for a Behaviour Support Assistant to join their team. This is a role where connection matters, trust takes time to build, and the smallest breakthroughs can make the biggest difference.

The provision supports pupils with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges, so they’re looking for someone who can stay calm under pressure, build genuine relationships and provide the structure pupils need to feel safe and ready to learn.

The role

As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you’ll work closely with pupils both one-to-one and in small groups, helping them stay engaged with learning and supporting them to manage their behaviour and emotions in a positive way.

You’ll play a key role in creating a predictable, supportive environment where pupils feel understood and encouraged. Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff, you’ll help implement behaviour strategies and personalised plans that support both learning and personal development.

What you’ll be doing

  • Supporting pupils with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges

  • Working 1:1 with pupils who need additional guidance and support

  • Using calm and consistent approaches to de-escalate challenging situations

  • Encouraging pupils to develop coping strategies, confidence and resilience

  • Supporting behaviour plans and personalised learning approaches

  • Working collaboratively with teaching and pastoral teams to improve engagement

What we’re looking for

  • Experience in a PRU, alternative provision, or SEN/SEMH setting is highly desirable

  • Backgrounds in youth work, care, coaching or education are also valued

  • Confidence managing challenging behaviour

  • A calm, patient and resilient mindset

  • Someone who genuinely wants to make a difference

Thrive Training

Not Thrive trained yet? That’s absolutely fine.

Protocol Education offers free Thrive training, helping you develop deeper behaviour support skills and strengthening your profile with specialist knowledge that schools value, especially in PRU settings.

If you’re looking for a role where every small step forward matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit www.protocol-education.com or email katie.phillips@protocol-education.com to find out more.