A Behaviour Support Worker helps children and young people manage their behaviour and develop positive strategies in educational or care settings. They work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support individuals who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum conditions. Their main tasks include developing behaviour management plans, providing one-to-one or group support, and helping students stay engaged in learning. This role requires patience, good communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, as well as a genuine interest in helping young people achieve their potential.
Behaviour Support Workers in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 5,000 behaviour support worker positions advertised annually across the UK, particularly in schools and care settings.
About 70% of behaviour support workers are employed by schools, with the remainder working in residential care or community support roles.
Works specifically with children and young people who have autism, helping them with communication, social skills, and behaviour management in schools or residential settings.
Focuses on supporting individuals who display particularly challenging behaviours, often developing tailored strategies and interventions to improve outcomes.
Assists students with learning disabilities in educational settings, providing one to one support to help them access the curriculum and manage their behaviour.
Study for and pass GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, as these are often required by employers.
Most employers look for at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including Maths and English. These subjects are important as they show your basic literacy and numeracy skills, which are needed in this role. You might also benefit from subjects like Psychology or Health and Social Care if available.
Take a college course such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, Childcare, or Supporting Teaching and Learning.
These courses give you a deeper understanding of the needs of children and young people and how to support them. A Level 3 qualification is particularly useful if you want to progress or specialise later on.
Get experience by volunteering or doing a placement in a school, youth club, or care setting.
Hands-on experience is highly valued for behaviour support roles. You could volunteer as a classroom assistant, support children with additional needs, or help out with after-school clubs. This shows employers you are committed and gives you practical skills.
Apply for positions such as Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, or similar roles.
Entry-level jobs often provide on-the-job training and can be a stepping stone to more specialist behaviour support roles. Some employers may fund further training, such as behaviour management courses or safeguarding training.
Take short courses or training in behaviour management, safeguarding, and supporting children with special educational needs.
Training can often be provided by your employer, or you can find courses through local authorities or online providers. Topics might include de-escalation techniques, autism awareness, and mental health first aid.
Practise your communication, patience, and resilience skills, which are vital for the role.
Behaviour Support Workers often face challenging situations, so being able to stay calm, communicate clearly, and handle stress is essential. You can develop these skills through experience, reflection, and feedback from colleagues.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Behavior Support Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Behavior Support Worker and a Residential Support Worker both work closely with individuals requiring additional support, often within care or residential settings. They share similar qualifications centered around understanding behavioural needs, implementing support plans, and promoting well-being.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a course at college to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need to do this job.
Courses include:
Many courses include work placements, so this could be a good way for you to get experience.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an assistant support worker in a children's or adult care setting. You could then move into a residential support role through training and promotion.
You can get voluntary experience in a number of ways, which can help when applying for paid jobs. This might be from:
To apply directly for jobs in residential support, you'll need a qualification and paid or voluntary experience in the social work and care sector.
Experience in fostering could also be helpful.
Personal qualities are very important in this job. Employers will be looking for:
You can find out more about becoming a residential support worker from Think Care Careers.
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