Job description
Behaviour Support Worker – Darlington
Location: Darlington
Salary: £90–£120 per day, dependent on experience
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time / Flexible
A welcoming and supportive school in Darlington is seeking a dedicated and resilient Behaviour Support Worker to join their team from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about helping children and young people overcome behavioural, social and emotional barriers and make positive progress in education.
As a Behaviour Support Worker, you will provide targeted support to pupils who may experience SEMH needs, SEND, challenging behaviour or barriers to learning, helping them develop positive behaviours, confidence and greater independence.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with behavioural and emotional needs.
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Support pupils who display behaviours that challenge.
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Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and provide consistent encouragement.
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Help pupils develop emotional regulation and appropriate coping strategies.
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Promote positive behaviour and engagement with learning.
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Use appropriate behaviour-management and de-escalation strategies.
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Support pupils who may have SEMH, ASD, ADHD or other additional needs.
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Help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop confidence, resilience and independence.
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Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to support individual needs.
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Maintain a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment.
The Ideal Behaviour Support Worker Will Have
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Previous experience working with children or young people in an educational, care or support setting.
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Experience supporting behaviours that challenge.
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Confidence providing 1:1 and small-group support.
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A patient, calm, resilient and adaptable approach.
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Strong behaviour-management and communication skills.
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Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, SEND, ASD or ADHD would be highly advantageous.
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Experience as a Behaviour Support Worker, SEN Teaching Assistant, HLTA, Youth Worker or Pastoral Support Worker would be beneficial.
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Knowledge of de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies.
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Team Teach training would be desirable but is not essential.
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An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
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A fully checkable employment and reference history.
Benefits
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Competitive daily rates of £90–£120 per day.
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Flexible and full-time opportunities available.
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Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
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Access to training courses to enhance your knowledge and skills.
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Opportunities to work across a range of schools in Darlington and the wider North East.
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Potential opportunities for longer-term and permanent positions.
Safeguarding Commitment
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and verification of employment history in line with our safeguarding procedures.
Apply Now
If you are a Behaviour Support Worker looking for your next opportunity in Darlington, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss available Behaviour Support Worker positions and how GSL Education can support your next career move.
Referral Bonus: Recommend a Teacher or Teaching Assistant to GSL Education and receive £100 when they successfully complete the required placement criteria.