Graduate Teaching Assistant
SEND Support Role
Shape A Life Graduate Careers Programme
Location: Carterton, Oxfordshire
Salary: £461 per week
Hours: Full-time | Term-time only - 32.5 hours per week
Start Date: September 2026
Shape A Life is the UK’s only graduate careers programme for Education, Early Years, and Children’s Social Care.
We help ambitious graduates begin meaningful careers working with young people while supporting schools to develop their future workforce.
A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Oxford is looking to welcome a graduate Teaching Assistant into their team from September.
This role will primarily support Lower Key Stage 2 across three mixed Year 3 and Year 4 classes, while also working within the school’s internal SEND provision, known as The Haven.
The role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience across both mainstream primary education and specialist SEND support within the same school environment.
The Opportunity
You will work closely with teachers, SEN staff, and school leaders to support pupils academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school day.
Your role may include:
- Supporting learning across Year 3 and Year 4 classrooms
- Working with pupils within The Haven provision
- Supporting children with complex SEND needs
- Delivering small-group interventions
- Providing occasional 1:1 support
- Supporting behaviour, emotional regulation, and confidence
- Reinforcing literacy, maths, and classroom learning
- Helping pupils feel safe, included, and ready to learn
No two days will look the same.
This is an ideal opportunity for a graduate wanting genuine school experience while making a meaningful difference to children’s lives.
Who This Role Would Suit
This opportunity is particularly well suited to graduates interested in:
- Primary Teaching
- Educational Psychology
- SEN and Inclusion
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Child Development
- Occupational Therapy
- Behaviour and Pastoral Support
- Social Care or Youth Support
All degree subjects are welcome.
You do not need previous classroom experience.
What matters most is:
- empathy
- patience
- emotional intelligence
- reliability
- communication skills
- positivity
- a genuine desire to support children
What You’ll Gain
- Weekly pay of £461
- Full academic year school experience
- Exposure to both mainstream and specialist SEND support
- Experience across Lower Key Stage 2
- Mentoring from experienced teachers and SEN professionals
- Insight into inclusive practice, behaviour support, safeguarding, and child development
- A strong foundation for teaching, psychology, therapy, SEN, or wider child-focused careers
Why Shape A Life Exists
We believe the best outcomes for children start with the right people in the right roles.
Every graduate who joins Shape A Life has chosen to work with young people with purpose.
Many go on to become teachers, SEN specialists, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and future leaders across education and care.
How to Apply
Click Apply Now or send your CV directly to Neil at Shape A Life.
Safeguarding Statement
Shape A Life is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Successful applicants will complete safeguarding and compliance checks as part of the onboarding process, including an Enhanced DBS check, references, and right-to-work verification.
Pay: £461.00 per week
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Education:
Work Location: In person
