Psychology Graduate – Reception SEN Teaching Assistant

Pertemps Education Network; City Of London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting a dedicated Reception SEN Teaching Assistant to support Reception pupils with Special Educational Needs in a Streatham primary school.

The role focuses on 1:1 and small-group support, particularly for children with ASC and communication needs, to foster early learning, social interaction and emotional development.

Qualifications

• Degree in psychology or a related field.
• Interest in autism, neurodiversity and early childhood development.
• Patient, nurturing and proactive approach to supporting learners.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to Reception pupils with additional needs.
• Support children with ASC, speech and language difficulties, communication needs and delays.
• Encourage early communication, social interaction and independence.
• Support learning through play and the EYFS curriculum.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Autism awareness

Student support

Team collaboration

Education

Psychology / Education / Sociology / Child Development degree

Job description

Psychology Graduate – Reception SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Streatham, South London

Contract: Full-time | Term-time only

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm

Start Date: ASAP

Pay:£108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate passionate about child development, autism and supporting children with additional needs? Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Streatham to recruit a dedicated Reception SEN Teaching Assistant to support young learners with Special Educational Needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology, Child Development, Education or Sociology graduates looking to gain hands‑on experience in a primary school setting, particularly those aspiring to careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy or specialist education.

The Role

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to Reception pupils with additional needs.
• Support children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), speech and language difficulties, communication needs and developmental delays.
• Encourage early communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence.
• Support learning through play-based activities and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
• Build positive, trusting relationships to encourage confidence and engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the class teacher, SENCO and wider support team.
• Assist with personal care where required.

The Ideal Candidate

• A Psychology, Education, Sociology or Child Development graduate.
• A genuine interest in autism, neurodiversity and early childhood development.
• Patient, nurturing, empathetic and proactive.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience supporting children or individuals with additional needs is desirable but not essential.
• Keen to gain practical experience before pursuing further study or a career in psychology or education.

Why Apply?

• Gain invaluable hands‑on experience supporting children with SEN.
• Develop practical skills relevant to Educational Psychology and child development.
• Work alongside experienced teachers and SEN professionals.
• Make a genuine difference during a child's crucial early developmental years.
• Competitive daily pay and ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.