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 calm, patient, and resilient De-escalation Mentor to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across schools in Hailsham. This role functions similarly to a SEND Teaching Assistant, with a particular focus on behaviour regulation, emotional support, and proactive de-escalation strategies to help pupils remain engaged in learning.
You will work as part of a supportive team to ensure pupils feel safe, understood, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and other SEND needs.
Use calm, trauma-informed strategies to de-escalate challenging situations.
Help pupils recognise triggers and develop self-regulation techniques.
Support teachers in managing behaviour and maintaining a positive learning environment.
Build trusting relationships with pupils to promote confidence, wellbeing, and engagement.
Record behaviour incidents and contribute to individual support plans.
Assist with classroom activities, routines, and personalised learning tasks.
Work collaboratively with staff, parents, and external professionals.
Essential:
Experience working with children or young people, ideally in an SEND or behaviour-support setting.
Excellent communication, patience, and resilience.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond with empathy.
A flexible, proactive approach suitable for a cover-based role.
Preferred:
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.
Understanding of de-escalation, restorative practice, or trauma-informed approaches.
Experience in mainstream or specialist education settings.
Flexible cover work with preference for full-week availability (Monday–Friday).
Opportunity to support pupils who benefit greatly from consistency and positive role modelling.
Professional, supportive school environments.
Valuable experience for those pursuing careers in education, psychology, youth work, 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 De-escalation Mentor (SEND Teaching Assistant – Flexible Cover Role)
