SEND Teaching Assistant

Ribbons & Reeves; Basildon; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbons & Reeves is helping a welcoming Basildon secondary school recruit a Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant. Start September 2026, full-time, long-term/permanent opportunity. You will work closely with the SENCO and teachers to support students with SEND, applying psychology knowledge to regulate emotions and boost confidence.

This role offers practical SEND exposure, mentoring, and the chance to pursue SEN or educational psychology pathways in a supportive school community.

Qualifications

• This role requires a psychology-based approach to supporting SEND students.
• Previous experience with SEND is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support to students with SEND
• Apply psychology knowledge to help regulate emotions and build confidence
• Adapt resources and scaffold learning for accessibility
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCO and pastoral staff
• Build trusting relationships with students
• Support behaviour, engagement and wellbeing across the school
• Contribute to this school's inclusive community

Skills

Psychology degree

Empathy

Communication skills

Behaviour support

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Psychology Graduate – SEND Teaching Assistant | Secondary School in Basildon
Start Date: September 2026 | Full-Time | Long-Term / Permanent Opportunity

Are you a passionate Psychology Graduate eager to gain hands‑on experience supporting young people with additional needs? Ribbons & Reeves are working with a welcoming, inclusive Secondary School in Basildon seeking a motivated SEND Teaching Assistant to join their high‑performing support team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a SEND Teaching Assistant who wants to build real‑world experience in behaviour, cognition, mental health and learning needs — the perfect foundation for future careers in Educational Psychology, Counselling, Therapy or Teaching.

About the School (Basildon)

This Basildon Secondary School is known for its strong pastoral culture, supportive staff community and commitment to helping every student thrive. As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will benefit from:

• Unmatched Practical Experience — Daily exposure to a wide range of SEND needs, ideal for a Psychology Graduate developing applied understanding.
• High‑Quality Training & Mentoring — Work closely with the SENCO, behaviour specialists and external professionals, giving a SEND Teaching Assistant invaluable insight into multi‑agency support.
• Clear Behaviour Systems — Consistent routines that allow a SEND Teaching Assistant to focus on meaningful intervention rather than behaviour management.
• Inclusive, Student‑Centred Ethos — A culture built on respect, resilience and aspiration, enabling a SEND Teaching Assistant to make a genuine impact.
• Professional Growth Pathways — Perfect for a Psychology Graduate seeking long‑term development, with opportunities to progress into SEN roles, mental health support or teacher training.

The Role

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Deliver 1:1 and small‑group support to students with SEND
• Apply your Psychology knowledge to help students regulate emotions, build confidence and engage positively
• Adapt resources and scaffold learning to ensure accessibility
• Work closely with teachers, SENCO and pastoral staff
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students
• Support behaviour, engagement and wellbeing across the school
• Contribute to the wider school community and uphold its values

This SEND Teaching Assistant role is ideal for a Psychology Graduate who is calm, patient, proactive and eager to learn. Previous experience supporting young people is beneficial but not essential — attitude, empathy and commitment matter most.

The Ideal Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant

The school is looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant who is:

• Passionate about psychology, mental health and child development
• An excellent communicator who builds rapport quickly
• Reflective, resilient and eager to grow professionally
• Adaptable in a fast‑paced secondary environment
• Motivated to make a long‑term impact on students with SEND