Psychology Graduate - SEND TA

AMA Admin; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking Psychology graduates for SEND Teaching Assistant roles, offering hands-on experience with children and young people in school settings.

You will support pupils with additional needs, assist with learning tasks, and work closely with teachers to implement individual plans while developing essential social and emotional skills.

Qualifications

• A psychology degree or related subject required.
• Genuine interest in working with children and young people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEND.
• Assist pupils to access and engage with learning.
• Build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Support social, emotional and behavioural development.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive communication.
• Assist pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH or other needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and support staff.
• Follow individual support plans and school procedures.
• Observe and respond to pupil needs and adapt support accordingly.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Observation skills

Listening skills

Resilience

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Psychology or related subject

Job description

Psychology Graduate - SEND Teaching Assistant

Milk Education are currently recruiting Psychology Graduates looking to gain hands‑on experience working with children and young people, with opportunities available as a SEND Teaching Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology graduates who are looking to gain practical experience before progressing into further study or a career within educational psychology, clinical psychology, counselling, teaching, SEND or other child‑focused professions.

Your Psychology degree will give you valuable knowledge and transferable skills that can be applied directly within a school environment. You'll have the opportunity to put your understanding of child development, behaviour, communication and emotional wellbeing into practice while supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.

About the Role:

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside teachers and the wider support team to provide tailored support to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

You may work on a one‑to‑one basis or with small groups, helping pupils access their learning, develop their confidence and build important social and emotional skills. Depending on the setting, you could support pupils with autism, ADHD, communication needs, SEMH or other additional needs.

This is a hands‑on role where you'll gain valuable experience of working directly with children and young people and develop a deeper understanding of how individual needs can affect learning, behaviour and development.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one‑to‑one and small‑group support to pupils with SEND
• Supporting pupils to access and engage with their learning
• Building positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Supporting pupils with their social, emotional and behavioural development
• Encouraging confidence, independence and positive communication
• Supporting pupils who may experience difficulties with emotional regulation
• Helping pupils develop strategies to manage challenges and overcome barriers to learning
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH and other additional needs
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and wider support staff
• Following individual support plans and school procedures
• Observing and responding to individual pupil needs
• Encouraging positive behaviour and engagement
• Creating a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment
• Supporting pupils during classroom activities and wider school life
• Developing your understanding of SEND through practical, hands‑on experience

Requirements or Skills:

• A degree in Psychology or a related subject
• A genuine interest in working with children and young people
• An interest in SEND, child development, behaviour or emotional wellbeing
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build positive relationships and establish trust
• A patient, compassionate and understanding approach
• Good observation and listening skills
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations
• A flexible and proactive approach with a willingness to get stuck in
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider team
• Previous experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential
• A willingness to learn and develop your practical skills within a school environment
• A willingness to complete the required safeguarding and compliance checks

Benefits:

• Gai