Psychology Graduate - SEMH LSA

AMA Admin; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temp-to-perm opportunities

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Graduate Teaching Assistant for a Specialist SEND School in Newcastle. The role can be long-term, short-term or temp-to-perm, starting in September.

You will work with students with PMLD, ASC and other needs, under the guidance of teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals. This is ideal for a Psychology graduate seeking practical experience in Educational Psychology, SEND therapy or related fields, developing communication, behaviour support and life skills

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology or graduating this year
• Interest in Educational Psychology or SEND
• Passion for supporting children with additional needs
• Patient, compassionate and resilient approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good literacy and numeracy
• Volunteer experience with SEND is helpful but not required

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with PMLD, ASC and complex needs
• Support communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or other methods
• Assist with sensory-based learning activities to promote engagement
• Support personal care and moving and handling with training provided
• Help students develop independence, life skills, social interaction and confidence
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and multidisciplinary team
• Observe and record progress for individual education plans
• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Literacy & numeracy

Teamwork

Patience & resilience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Visual supports

Job description

Milk Education is more than a supply partner - we're a community for educators. Join us and gain access to industry-leading training, professional development opportunities, and ongoing support throughout your career.

We're currently recruiting for a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a Specialist SEND School in Newcastle on a long-term, short-term, or temp-to-perm basis, starting in September.

This specialist setting supports secondary-aged students with a range of additional needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), complex communication needs and associated physical or medical needs. Every student follows a highly personalised curriculum designed to develop communication, independence, emotional wellbeing and essential life skills.

This role is ideal for a Psychology graduate looking to gain practical experience before pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, CAMHS, Behaviour Analysis or other specialist SEND professions.

Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals, you'll develop a deeper understanding of autism, sensory processing, communication strategies, behaviour support and child development while making a genuine difference to the lives of young people with complex needs.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for students with PMLD, ASC and complex additional needs.
• Supporting students with communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or other alternative communication methods where appropriate.
• Assisting with sensory-based learning activities designed to promote engagement, independence and emotional regulation.
• Supporting students with personal care and moving and handling where required (full training provided where necessary).
• Helping students develop independence, life skills, social interaction and confidence through personalised learning activities.
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team to implement individual learning and therapy programmes.
• Using positive behaviour support strategies to encourage engagement and celebrate each student's progress.
• Observing and recording student development to contribute towards individual education plans and personalised outcomes.
• Creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every young person feels valued and supported.

Requirements or Skills:

• A degree in Psychology (or due to graduate this year) is highly desirable. Graduates in Education, Health & Social Care, Childhood Studies, Sociology or related subjects are also encouraged to apply.
• An interest in pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, SEND, Therapy, Mental Health or another child-focused profession.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• A patient, compassionate and resilient approach, with the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND through volunteering, care work, youth work, coaching, tutoring or similar is advantageous but not essential.
• Confidence working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and following guidance from teaching staff and therapists.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm opportunit