Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Pertemps Education Network; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant to support children with autism and complex needs in a specialist high-needs base in Lambeth. You will work with experienced staff to deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils engage and develop essential life skills.

The role is full-time, long-term, with school-day hours, starting ASAP. A psychology or education background is ideal for career paths in educational psychology or related fields.

Qualifications

• Graduate with interest in child development and autism.
• Experience or volunteering with children with additional needs is a plus.
• Able to support ASC, communication difficulties and complex SEN.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for primary-aged pupils with autism.
• Support pupils with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Implement structured learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher.
• Use visual supports and routines to help pupils access the curriculum.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and therapists to support pupil targets.
• Help create a calm, nurturing learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Empathy & resilience

Clear communication

Education

Psychology

Child Development

Education or Childhood Studies

Speech & Language Therapy or Linguistics

Neuroscience or related social science

Job description

Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Lambeth, South London

School Type: Mainstream Primary School with a Specialist High-Needs Autism Base

Contract: Full-time, Long-term

Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, 08:30 - 16:00

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: £108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology or Education graduate looking to gain hands-on experience supporting children with autism and complex additional needs?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Lambeth to recruit a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant to join its specialist high-needs autism provision.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate looking to build a career in Special Educational Needs, Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy or specialist teaching.

You will support primary-aged pupils with autism spectrum condition (ASC), communication difficulties and complex learning needs, helping them engage with education, develop essential life skills and build their confidence and independence.

Whether you are a recent Psychology graduate, an aspiring Educational Psychologist or someone passionate about supporting children with additional needs, this role offers valuable experience within a specialist primary school environment.

The Role

As a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with experienced teachers and specialist staff to provide tailored support for pupils within the school's high-needs autism base.

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support for primary-aged pupils with autism and complex SEN.
• Supporting pupils with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
• Implementing structured learning activities and individual support strategies under the guidance of the class teacher.
• Using visual supports, communication strategies and consistent routines to help pupils access the curriculum.
• Supporting pupils who may experience sensory sensitivities, communication barriers or difficulties managing transitions.
• Encouraging positive behaviour, independence and the development of everyday life skills.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and other professionals to support individual pupil targets.
• Helping to create a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment where pupils feel safe and supported.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in graduates who are passionate about child development, autism and supporting pupils with high levels of need.

Relevant degrees may include:

• Psychology or Child Development
• Education or Childhood Studies
• Speech and Language Therapy or Linguistics
• Neuroscience or a related social sciencePrevious experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, communication difficulties or complex SEN would be advantageous. Experience gained through volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, childcare or care work will also be considered.

The successful candidate will be:

• Patient, empathetic and resilient, with a calm and nurturing approach.
• Passionate about supporting children with autism and additional needs.
• Confident building positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• Able to follow structured routines and individualised support strategies.
• Proactive, adaptable and keen to learn from experienced SEN professionals.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing.

Why Apply?

• Specialist SEN experience: Develop practical skills supporting children within a high-needs autism base.
• Ideal for aspiring psychologists: Gain valuable experience relevant to future postgraduate study and careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Child Development.
• Develop specialist skills: Build your understanding of autism, communication, sensory needs and positive behaviour support.
• Supportive school environment: Work alongside experienced primary teachers and SEN professionals.
• Make a real difference: Help pupils develop communication, confidence, independence and access to learning.
• Long-term opportunity: Build meaningful experience within a specialist primary education setting.

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check where required