Graduate Teaching Assistant
Summary
Are you a university student or recent graduate curious about a future in education, SEND, or therapeutic work? Sense Education is hiring a graduate teaching assistant for a specialist setting in Whitehaven. This Graduate Teaching Assistant role offers a rewarding opportunity to gain meaningful experience in a nurturing specialist setting—perfect for anyone looking to develop their skills while supporting young people with additional needs.
The Role
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll be part of a dedicated team in a special school in Leeds, supporting pupils with autism, communication differences, and sensory processing needs. Working closely with teachers, therapists and support staff, you'll help pupils engage with learning, manage transitions, and access calming strategies like the sensory room. You’ll also support on educational trips, local outings, and help adapt classroom tasks to meet individual needs.
Your day-to-day may include:
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups
- Using visual supports and sensory strategies
- Encouraging communication, engagement, and emotional regulation
- Helping deliver structured, inclusive classroom activities
- Supporting during swimming sessions or therapeutic outings
- Contributing to reviews and collaborative planning with staff and families
Who This Would Suit
This role is designed for individuals looking to transition their studies into practice. We welcome applications from:
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Current students or graduates in psychology, education, childhood studies, social care, health, or the arts
- People with experience in support work, care, or volunteering with children or young people
- Anyone empathetic, patient, and curious about SEND, who wants to build experience in a school setting
The School
The school is a supportive, inclusive environment where children with autism and sensory needs are encouraged to thrive. Staff work collaboratively to create structured routines, creative learning opportunities, and a calm, respectful atmosphere. Pupils have access to sensory spaces and frequent hands-on experiences—from local trips to therapeutic activities.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time / Part time/ Temp to perm
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
What’s In It for You
- Competitive pay
- No evenings or weekend work
- Mentoring from experienced SEND professionals
- Insight into therapy, education, and inclusive practice
- Ideal foundation for a career in education, psychology or SEND support
Ready to take the first step into SEND education?
This is your chance to make a difference while developing your skills in a truly meaningful role.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £14.60-£16.90 per hour
Work Location: In person
