Graduate Academic Coach

Step Into Teaching Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Step Into Teaching Limited is recruiting graduates to join a specialist SEND primary school in Manchester (M44). This role offers weekly pay and the chance to gain practical classroom experience in a supportive environment.

You will work with teachers and specialists to support learners with diverse needs, developing skills across communication, engagement and independence. A strong team ethos and commitment to SEND is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 2:2 or above.
• Caring, patient and empathetic disposition.
• Enthusiasm for working with children and supporting individual needs.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to developing skills in SEND.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND to develop communication, independence and confidence.
• Deliver personalised learning activities reflecting each child’s needs.
• Build trusting relationships to encourage emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Support development of communication, sensory, social and independent living skills.
• Create a calm, inclusive classroom and collaborate with teachers.

Skills

Caring personality

Patience

Empathy

Team player

Communication skills

Enthusiasm for working with children

Education

Bachelor’s degree 2:2 or above

Job description

Graduate Teaching Assistant (SEND Support- Primary)

Manchester (M44) | £500-£530 per week | Full-time | Immediate Start

Imagine starting your career in a role where you can make a genuine difference to a child’s life, develop highly sought-after specialist skills, and discover whether teaching or a role in education is the right path for you.

Step Into Teaching is recruiting graduates to join a specialist SEND primary school in Manchester (M44), where relationships come first, every achievement matters, and no two days are the same.

Why will you love this opportunity?

• Make a real difference: Support children with additional needs to develop their communication, independence, confidence and love of learning.
• Get paid to gain experience: Earn £500-£530 per week during term time while building practical classroom skills.
• Explore a career in teaching: Gain first-hand experience before committing to teacher training or a longer-term career in education.
• Learn from specialists: Benefit from SEND-specific training, continuing professional development (CPD) and guidance from experienced practitioners.
• Be part of something meaningful: Join a supportive school community where patience, empathy and small steps forward can make a huge difference.

No previous career in teaching? This could be the perfect place to start.

What matters is your willingness to learn, your ability to build positive relationships and your genuine commitment to helping children thrive.

What will you be doing?

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll work alongside experienced teachers and specialist support staff to help pupils feel safe, included and ready to learn.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism, physical needs, severe learning difficulties and complex needs.
• Helping deliver personalised learning activities that reflect each child’s developmental stage and individual needs.
• Building trusting relationships that encourage emotional regulation, confidence and positive behaviour.
• Supporting communication, sensory development, social interaction and independent living skills.
• Helping create a calm, engaging and inclusive classroom environment.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and the wider team to celebrate progress and overcome challenges.

Every child is different. Some achievements may be small steps that others take for granted, but you’ll learn to recognise just how significant they can be.

Who are we looking for?

You could be a great fit if you are:

• A graduate with a bachelor’s degree at 2:2 or above.
• Caring, patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient.
• Enthusiastic about working with children and supporting individual needs.
• Creative and proactive, with the confidence to engage pupils in different ways.
• Calm and consistent when responding to challenging situations.
• A strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a team.
• Open to feedback, eager to develop and committed to making a difference.

Your degree doesn’t have to be in Education. If you’re considering teaching, educational psychology, child development, special educational needs or another career supporting children, this experience could be an excellent next step.

You must be able to commit to the role through to the end of July 2027.

Training, development and future opportunities

This school is committed to helping its staff grow.You’ll have opportunities to develop your understanding of SEND through specialist training, high-quality CPD and support from experienced practitioners. You may also have opportunities to get involved in training and outreach work supporting pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

You’ll gain valuable insight into the realities of working in a specialist setting, helping you make informed decisions about your future career.

You’re also encouraged to visit the school, meet the team and experience the environment first-hand before deciding whether the role is right for you.

The role at a glance

• Job title: Graduate Teaching Assistant
• Setting: Specialist SEND Primary School
• Location: Manchester, M44
• Start date: ASAP
• Contract: Full-time, through to the end of July 2027
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday, term-time
• Pay: £500-£530 per week, term-time

Why Step Into Teaching?

At Step Into Teaching, we help graduates turn their ambition into practical experience.We offer immersive opportunities across primary, secondary, further education and specialist SEND settings, matching graduates with placements that support their interests and career goals.

Our aim is to help you discover your strengths, develop your skills and gain a realistic understanding of teaching before committing to formal training.

You won’t simply be observing from the sidelines. You’ll be actively supporting pupils, learning from experienced professionals and contributing to a school community where your work matters.