Behaviour Support Assistant

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A special school in Southampton seeks a dedicated support staff member to assist children with complex needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in a school setting and be committed to fostering a supportive environment. You will work 32.5 hours a week during term time, from Monday to Friday. This role offers competitive salary progression and professional development opportunities while playing a crucial part in the lives of young people. Apply via the school website or email for consideration.

Benefits

Competitive salary with regular progression

Free on-site parking

Opportunities for CPD

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children with complex needs in a school.
• Ability to provide in-class behaviour support across the school.
• Willingness to be a constant and encouraging presence.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and provide in-class behaviour support.
• Lead or support training for staff on physical intervention.
• Liaise with educational psychologists and outside agencies.

Skills

Ability to observe, monitor and analyse learning outcomes

Knowledge of reactive and physical intervention strategies

Ability to use own judgement

Strong communication skills

Education

Grade C and above in English and Maths or equivalent

Job description

Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs?

Supporting children with additional needs is incredibly rewarding - no two days are the same, and the relationships you build can have a lifelong impact. The work can be demanding and requires resilience, but the sense of purpose and the progress you help children achieve far outweigh the challenges.

Springwell School, rated Outstanding in each of our last four Ofsted inspections, sits on the edge of Southampton and is a large, designated day special school for children aged 4-11. Our pupils have a range of complex learning needs, including autism, speech and language difficulties and behaviours that may challenge.

We foster a warm, positive and collaborative learning environment where pupils and staff support one another to thrive both academically and personally. Our commitment is to provide the highest-quality education for our children while offering robust support to their families and the adults who work with them.

The successful candidate will have previous experience of working with children with complex needs within a school setting. Under direction, you will prepare and provide in‑class behaviour support across the school, be a Securicare Physical Intervention trainer where you will lead or support training for staff, coach teams in positive behaviour, liaise with EP's and outside agencies and proactively work with class teams to manage, understand, and plan for behaviours.

If you are motivated, compassionate, and ready to be a consistent and encouraging presence in a young person's life, we'd love to hear from you.

What will you need?

• A Grade C and above (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Awareness of needs/demands of children with complex needs
• Ability to observe, monitor and analyse learning and learning outcomes in a practical context
• Detailed knowledge of reactive and physical intervention strategies
• Ability to use own judgement
• Awareness of and commitment to confidentiality

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary with regular salary progression
• Opportunities for CPD
• Free on‑site parking on main site
• Pension Scheme
• Support and training
• Monday – Friday working pattern
• Excellent development opportunities to grow within a positive and supportive team
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Your contribution:

• Can think on your feet
• Can use your initiative
• Work well as part of a small busy team
• Have high levels of tact, diplomacy, discretion, and respect for confidential information
• Have the ability to work through daily interruptions and be flexible to the changing demands of the post

In return, we will provide:

• A well‑developed induction programme providing in‑depth support and guidance
• The opportunity to be part of an Outstanding school with a strong, positive, caring ethos
• Excellent development opportunities giving the successful candidate the chance to grow professionally within a positive and supportive team

Working pattern
32.5 hours per week, Term time only
Monday - Friday: 08:45 am – 3:45 pm

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form on www.springwellschool.net and return to Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead, by email to [e-mail]. Alternatively, please post your completed application to HR at Springwell School, Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton, SO19 6DH. We do not accept CV's.

A full job description and person specification can be found on our school website, www.springwellschool.net/vacancies/.

Interview process

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be required to complete a short task‑based exercise, spend some time in one of our classes, followed by a face to face interview with a two‑person panel.

Safeguarding

Springwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and a full online check of social media platforms.

Please note that we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. We may also interview candidates at a mutually convenient time before the closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you have not heard from us by the 24th of February, then you have unfortunately not been selected for interview this time.