Graduate Teaching Assistant SEN Support Role
Psychology Graduates Welcome
Shape A Life Graduate Careers Programme
Location: Carterton
Salary: £461 per week
Hours: 32.5 hours per week | Term-time only
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 supportive and inclusive school in Oxford is welcoming graduates to join the team from September, supporting children with Special Educational Needs across the school.
This opportunity is particularly well suited to Psychology graduates who are interested in behaviour, child development, emotional wellbeing, communication needs, and SEND support.
The role offers genuine hands-on experience working closely with children who may have:
- Autism (ASD)
- ADHD
- SEMH needs
- Speech and language needs
- Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
- Learning differences and additional needs
The Opportunity
You will work closely with pupils both inside and outside the classroom, helping them feel safe, supported, engaged, and ready to learn.
Your role may include:
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis
- Running small-group interventions
- Helping children regulate emotions and behaviour
- Building confidence and positive routines
- Supporting communication and social interaction
- Reinforcing learning activities within lessons
- Working alongside teachers, SEN staff, and pastoral teams
Every day is different.
The role combines relationship-building, emotional support, behaviour understanding, and practical classroom experience.
Who This Role Would Suit
This role is ideal for graduates considering future careers in:
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- SEN and Inclusion
- Mental Health Support
- Social Care
- Teaching or PGCE pathways
Psychology graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Other relevant degree backgrounds may include:
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Health and Social Care
- Childhood Studies
- Education
- Youth Studies
You do not need previous school experience.
What matters most is:
- empathy
- emotional intelligence
- patience
- resilience
- communication skills
- a genuine desire to support young people
What You’ll Gain
- Weekly pay of £461 - 32.5 hours per week
- Full academic year experience in a school setting
- Hands-on SEN and behaviour support experience
- Exposure to safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, and inclusion practice
- Mentoring from experienced SEN professionals and school leaders
- A strong foundation for psychology, therapy, teaching, or 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 educational psychologists, teachers, therapists, SEN specialists, 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
