Job Description

Psychology Graduate - SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH School

Location: Corby, Northamptonshire
Start Date: ASAP or September 2026
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term
Pay Rate: £93-£98 per day (dependent on experience)

Are you a Psychology Graduate looking to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people with additional needs?

Are you considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, SEN, Teaching, or Child Development?

We are working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in Corby, seeking a passionate and resilient Psychology Graduate to join their team as an SEN Teaching Assistant. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs while developing your understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation, safeguarding, and additional needs within an educational setting.

About the Role:

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with experienced teachers and support staff to provide tailored academic, emotional, and behavioural support to pupils with a range of SEMH needs.

You will play an important role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships, and build the confidence and skills they need to progress.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs

  • Support pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, challenging behaviour, and social difficulties

  • Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and act as a consistent and supportive adult

  • Assist pupils with their academic learning and encourage positive engagement in lessons

  • Use appropriate strategies to support behaviour and emotional regulation

  • Help pupils develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and positive relationships

  • Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, pastoral staff, and other professionals

  • Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, and wider school activities where required

  • Monitor pupil progress and communicate any concerns to the appropriate members of staff

  • Follow individual support plans and behaviour strategies

  • Maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment for pupils

Who This Role Would Suit:

  • Recent Psychology graduates looking to gain practical experience with SEN and SEMH

  • Graduates considering careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling, Teaching, SEN, or Child Development

  • Individuals with an interest in understanding behaviour and supporting emotional wellbeing

  • Graduates with experience in tutoring, mentoring, coaching, childcare, youth work, volunteering, or care

  • Patient, empathetic, resilient, and confident individuals who can remain calm in challenging situations

  • Strong communicators who can build positive relationships with children and young people

  • Individuals who are keen to develop their understanding of SEN, SEMH, behaviour, and safeguarding

What's on Offer:

  • Full-time, long-term opportunity within a specialist SEMH school in Corby

  • £93-£98 per day, dependent on experience

  • Valuable hands-on experience working with pupils with additional needs

  • Excellent experience for future applications to Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, PGCE, QTS, SEN, or mental health-related courses and careers

  • Free CPD and professional development training

  • Training in SEMH, SEND, safeguarding, behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, and mental health awareness

  • Ongoing support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant

  • The opportunity to develop specialist skills in a supportive SEN environment

Why This Role?

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Psychology Graduate who wants to understand how psychological principles, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing interact within an educational environment.

Working within a specialist SEMH school will provide you with valuable first-hand experience of supporting pupils with complex needs, developing relationships, managing behaviour, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

If you are a Psychology Graduate looking to gain meaningful experience before progressing into a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Teaching, or SEN, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this Psychology Graduate - SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in a specialist SEMH school in Corby, starting ASAP or September 2026.