Support Staff - Alternative Provision (Primary & Secondary SEMH)

Location: M28, Greater Manchester
Pay: £110-£120 per day (depending on experience)
Job Type: Temporary to Long-Term
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have experience working with challenging behaviour and enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of pupils who need additional support?

We are looking for dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Support Staff to join a specialist Alternative Provision in the M28 area. This rewarding role involves supporting both primary and secondary-aged pupils, helping them to engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.

The Role

As a member of the Support Staff team, you will:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
• Assist staff in delivering personalised learning and intervention programmes.
• Support pupils both on-site and during educational visits and off-site activities.
• Safely transport pupils to and from school, educational settings, appointments, and off-site activities as required.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation using consistent behaviour management strategies.
• Work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to provide the best possible support for each pupil.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience working with primary and/or secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Have transferable skills from youth work, mentoring, residential care, support work, sports coaching, or similar roles.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Have business-use motor insurance or are willing to obtain it before starting the role.
• Are confident transporting pupils safely as part of their daily responsibilities.
• Are patient, resilient, flexible, and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Hold an Enhanced Child and Adult DBS registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for a new DBS.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience in an Alternative Provision, PRU, or specialist education setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Team Teach or other de-escalation training (desirable but not essential).
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

If you're committed to helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning and thrive in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to secure your September start!