Job description
Behaviour Support Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Term Time Only
Salary: £23124 – £27258 FTE
The Role
GSL Education are seeking a committed and compassionate Behaviour Support Assistant to join a specialist school supporting children and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
This role is ideal for someone who is calm under pressure, emotionally resilient, and passionate about helping pupils overcome barriers to learning. You will work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals to support pupils both in and out of the classroom, helping them to regulate emotions, manage behaviour positively, and engage with learning.
Behaviour Support Assistant Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group behaviour support for pupils with SEMH, ASC and associated needs.
- Support pupils during periods of dysregulation using de-escalation and regulation strategies.
- Assist with the delivery of personalised behaviour and support plans.
- Help maintain a calm, safe and structured learning environment.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to support emotional wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and safeguarding teams.
- Support transitions, breaktimes, and unstructured parts of the school day.
About the School
The school is a specialist provision supporting pupils who require a highly structured, nurturing and trauma-informed approach to education. Many pupils have experienced significant barriers to learning and benefit from strong relationships, consistency, and clear boundaries.
The school places a strong emphasis on emotional regulation, wellbeing, and personal development alongside academic progress. Staff work as part of a close-knit, supportive team and receive strong guidance, training, and leadership support. The environment is dynamic, rewarding, and focused on helping pupils re-engage with education in a meaningful way.
As the Ideal Candidate, you should:
- Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, ASC or behavioural needs.
- Be patient, empathetic and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Understand the importance of boundaries, consistency, and positive behaviour support.
- Be a strong team player with excellent communication skills.
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
- Have a genuine interest in supporting vulnerable learners.
In return, GSL Education offers:
- A supportive and experienced staff team.
- Ongoing training and professional development with access to over £8500 worth of training courses and CPD.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to pupils’ lives.
- A rewarding role in a specialist educational setting.
Safeguarding Statement:
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
To apply for the position of Behaviour Support Assistant in York, North Yorkshire, please contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.