Location: Hailsham
Contract: Flexible cover role (as required), 5 days per week preferred
Start: ASAP
DBS: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service preferred
We are seeking a motivated, patient, and supportive Alternative Provision Support Assistant to work with students with a range of additional needs in alternative provision settings across Hailsham. The role focuses on supporting learning, encouraging engagement, promoting positive behaviour, and supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing—particularly those who may not thrive in mainstream settings.
You will play a vital role in helping pupils remain focused, feel safe, and develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed both academically and socially. You will work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals to create a structured, nurturing, and consistent environment.
Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and other complex needs.
Encourage sustained engagement in learning and activities within an alternative provision environment.
Use calm, trauma-informed approaches to help pupils regulate emotions and behaviour.
Identify individual barriers to engagement and collaborate with staff to implement effective strategies.
Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to increase motivation and confidence.
Assist staff in creating an inclusive, structured, and supportive setting tailored to alternative provision.
Record observations, progress, and engagement levels, contributing to pupil support plans.
Support personalised learning tasks, routines, and therapeutic or practical activities.
Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, parents, and external agencies.
Essential:
Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEND, SEMH, pastoral, or alternative provision settings.
Strong communication skills, patience, and emotional resilience.
Ability to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging or unpredictable situations.
A flexible, proactive approach suitable for a cover-based role.
Preferred:
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.
Understanding of trauma-informed practice, behaviour regulation, or alternative provision strategies.
Experience in mainstream, specialist, or alternative education environments.
Flexible cover work with preference for full-week availability (Monday–Friday).
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils who benefit from consistent, specialised support.
Supportive and collaborative alternative provision environments.
Valuable experience for those pursuing careers in education, psychology, youth work, social care, or SEMH support.
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Pink Tile Education, their schools and candidates all share the expectation of “Best Fit, Every Time” and our job is to ensure that every candidate we place has a positive impact on the team of their new employers.
The pay stated is inclusive of the additional 12.07% PAYE holiday.
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undertake various background checks including obtaining a DBS, if they do not hold a valid certificate that is on the update service.
Apply for Alternative Provision Support Assistant (Hailsham – Flexible Cover Role)
