Behaviour Support Assistant – Primary PRU

Location: Islington, North London
Pay: £100–£120 per day PAYE (depending on experience)

Are you passionate about supporting young people who need a different approach to education? Do you have the patience, resilience and relationship-building skills to make a genuine difference?

We are working with a supportive and well-established Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Islington that is looking for a dedicated Behaviour Support Assistant to join its team.

The provision supports primary-aged pupils who have experienced difficulties in mainstream education, often due to challenging behaviour, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or additional learning needs.

Many of these pupils have faced significant barriers to education and need a calm, consistent and nurturing environment where they can rebuild their confidence, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning.

With small class sizes of no more than 6 pupils, the setting offers the opportunity to provide meaningful, individualised support and make a real impact on each child's progress.

The Role – Behaviour Support Assistant

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to primary-aged pupils with behavioural and SEMH needs.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to engage in a traditional classroom environment.

• Support pupils with emotional regulation, managing behaviour and developing positive coping strategies.

• Encourage engagement in learning through structured, creative and practical activities.

• Work closely with teachers and other support staff to maintain a safe, consistent and supportive learning environment.

• Help pupils develop their confidence, social skills and independence.

• Use a calm, patient and restorative approach when responding to challenging situations.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or additional needs.

• Experience in a PRU, alternative provision, SEND school or mainstream school would be beneficial.

• A calm, resilient and consistent approach, particularly when supporting pupils who may become dysregulated.

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to recognise the needs behind challenging behaviour.

• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people achieve positive outcomes.

• An interest in sports, music, art or other creative activities would be a real advantage.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to work in a small, supportive primary provision where relationships, emotional wellbeing and individual progress are at the heart of everything they do.

You'll be working with pupils who may have struggled in previous educational settings, helping them experience success, develop trust in adults and rediscover their confidence in learning.

For someone who enjoys building relationships and making a visible difference, this can be an incredibly rewarding environment.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Behaviour Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant or someone with relevant SEMH experience looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Katie on 0203 011 4848 to find out more about this role or discuss other SEND and alternative provision opportunities across London.