Psychology Teaching Assistant

PK Education Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

PK Education is recruiting Teaching Assistants to work in Sheffield secondary schools, with a focus on psychology graduates seeking practical experience in education.

No TA experience is required, but any work with children is welcome. You will support students 1:1 and in small groups, helping them overcome barriers to learning.

Roles cover KS3/KS4, with opportunities to develop skills in SEND and SEMH under guidance of experienced teachers and SENCOs.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in Psychology or be working towards one.
• Interest in supporting children and young people.
• Career interests in Educational Psychology, Mental Health, Teaching or SEND.
• Patience, empathy and confident communication with young people.
• Enhanced DBS Check required or willing to undergo.

Responsibilities

• Support students across KS3 and KS4 in mainstream secondary schools.
• Provide 1:1 support and work with small groups of students.
• Support young people with additional learning needs, including SEND and SEMH.
• Help students develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours.
• Support teachers with classroom activities and lesson delivery.
• Build positive relationships with students who may struggle with engagement, behaviour or emotional regulation.
• Work with experienced teachers, SENCOs and pastoral support teams.
• Gain practical experience in child development, behaviour and learning.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Education

Degree in Psychology

Job description

Location: Sheffield

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Temporary / Supply

Working Pattern: Full-time or flexible days

Experience: Psychology Graduates Encouraged to Apply

Job Description

Have you recently graduated with a Psychology degree and are looking to gain valuable experience working with children and young people?

PK Education are recruiting enthusiastic and motivated Teaching Assistants to work within secondary schools across Sheffield, with a particular interest in hearing from Psychology graduates looking to develop their experience within education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for graduates considering careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Development, Mental Health, Teaching or Special Educational Needs (SEND).

You do not need to have previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, although experience working with children or young people would be advantageous.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and school support teams to help students overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and reach their full potential.

Many of the students you may support will have additional learning needs, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or other learning difficulties. This provides an excellent opportunity to apply your academic knowledge of psychology in a practical educational setting.

The Role

• Supporting students across KS3 and KS4 within mainstream secondary schools
• Providing 1:1 support and working with small groups of students
• Supporting young people with additional learning needs, including SEND and SEMH
• Helping students develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours
• Supporting teachers with classroom activities and lesson delivery
• Building positive relationships with students who may struggle with engagement, behaviour or emotional regulation
• Working alongside experienced teachers, SENCOs and pastoral support teams
• Gaining valuable practical experience in child development, behaviour and learning

The Ideal Candidate

• Hold a degree in Psychology or a related subject, or be working towards one
• Have a genuine interest in supporting children and young people
• Be considering a career in Educational Psychology, Mental Health, Teaching or SEND
• Be patient, empathetic and confident communicating with young people
• Have a good understanding of behaviour, emotional development and individual learning needs
• Be willing to learn and adapt to different school environments
• Hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS Check
• Previous school experience is desirable but not essential.
• We welcome applications from graduates who have gained transferable skills through volunteering, mentoring, youth work, sports coaching or other support roles.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity for Psychology Graduates?

Working as a Teaching Assistant is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience of how psychological theories relate to real-life situations within education.

You will have the opportunity to observe and support students with different learning styles, behavioural needs and emotional challenges while developing practical skills that may support future applications for postgraduate study or careers within psychology and education.

Whether you're considering becoming an Educational Psychologist, pursuing further studies in Psychology or simply exploring a career working with young people, this role can provide valuable experience.

Why Choose PK Education?

• PK Education is a leading local teaching agency, established in 2005
• Flexible day-to-day, short-term and long-term opportunities
• Competitive daily rates
• Opportunities to work across a variety of Sheffield secondary schools
• Gain valuable experience supporting students with SEND and SEMH needs
• Ideal for graduates looking to build experience before further study or professional training
• Ongoing support from a dedicated local consultant with extensive knowledge of Sheffield schools