Graduate Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Step Into Teaching Limited is recruiting a Graduate Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEND school near Blackburn. You will support pupils aged 4–19, working with teachers to enable access to learning and help pupils build confidence from day one.

The role is full-time, term-time only, with an ASAP start and a contract running through to July 2027. You will gain hands-on classroom experience and develop skills in behaviour management and personalised support for SEND learners.

Qualifications

• Hold a 2:2 degree or above in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Education or a related subject.
• Have a genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
• Can confidently engage, motivate and build positive relationships with pupils.
• Are proactive, positive, reliable and enthusiastic.
• Demonstrate empathy, resilience and a determination to make a difference.
• Are committed to the full academic year, until July 2027.
• Communicate effectively and work well as part of a wider team.
• Are eager to learn, develop and gain experience within a specialist education setting.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with their educational, social, emotional and physical development.
• Providing 1:1 and/or small-group support within the classroom.
• Helping pupils access learning activities and achieve outcomes outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Supporting children with a range of SEND, including autism, learning difficulties, behavioural etc.
• Promoting positive behaviour, engagement and communication.
• Using communication approaches, visual aids etc
• Assisting teachers with lesson delivery, classroom management and pupil engagement.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Teamwork

Motivation

Education

2:2 degree or above in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Education or a related subject

Job description

Graduate Teaching Assistant – SEND 4-19

Location: 4-19 SEND School, Near Blackburn BB1, Lancashire
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Until July 2027
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday (term-time only)
Pay: £500–£530 per week
Interviews: Taking place ASAP

Are you a graduate looking to kick-start a rewarding career in education?

Step Into Teaching is working with an impressive, well-resourced specialist SEND school in Blackburn, to recruit proactive, enthusiastic and ambitious graduates for Graduate Teaching Assistant positions.

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who are passionate about supporting children and young people, gaining hands‑on classroom experience and developing the skills needed to progress into teaching or other education‑based careers.

The school provides high‑quality specialist education, care and therapy for children and young people aged 4–19 with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), complex medical needs, sensory impairments and physical disabilities.

Due to the continued growth of the school, several opportunities are available for motivated graduates to join its supportive and dedicated team.

The Role

Working alongside experienced teachers and senior staff, you will provide tailored support to individuals and small groups of pupils, helping them access learning, develop confidence and achieve their individual goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with their educational, social, emotional and physical development.
• Providing 1:1 and/or small-group support within the classroom.
• Helping pupils access learning activities and achieve outcomes outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Supporting children with a range of SEND, including autism, learning difficulties, behavioural etc.
• Promoting positive behaviour, engagement and communication.
• Using communication approaches, visual aids etc
• Assisting teachers with lesson delivery, classroom management and pupil engagement.

We're Looking For Graduates Who:

• Hold a 2:2 degree or above in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, Education or a related subject.
• Have a genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
• Can confidently engage, motivate and build positive relationships with pupils.
• Are proactive, positive, reliable and enthusiastic.
• Demonstrate empathy, resilience and a determination to make a difference.
• Are committed to the full academic year, until July 2027.
• Communicate effectively and work well as part of a wider team.
• Are eager to learn, develop and gain experience within a specialist education setting.

Previous experience working with children or within SEND is beneficial but not essential. The school is particularly interested in graduates with the right attitude, a child‑centred approach and the motivation to make a genuine difference. Full training and ongoing development will be provided.

What You'll Gain:

• Hands‑on classroom experience from day one.
• Valuable experience supporting pupils with SEND and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Exposure to a wide range of learning needs and specialist teaching approaches.
• Ongoing mentoring, training and professional development.
• Practical experience in behaviour management, lesson support and pupil engagement.
• The opportunity to develop your confidence and skills alongside experienced education professionals.
• An excellent foundation for progressing into teacher training, educational psychology, therapy or other education‑based careers.

By the end of the academic year, you will have developed valuable practical experience and a strong foundation to take the next step in your education career.