Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Leek

Full-Time | Long-Term Position | September 2026 Start

Salary: £500–£560 per week (£100–£115 per day)

Want to Make a Meaningful Difference to Young People's Lives?

Are you a graduate looking to begin a rewarding career in education, SEND or another child-focused profession?

A welcoming and supportive school in Leek (ST13 6DW) is seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team from September 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wants to gain valuable, hands-on experience supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) while working alongside experienced teachers and education professionals.

You don't need a degree in Education or Psychology to apply. Graduates from all degree subjects are welcome, including candidates who have achieved a First Class, 2:1 or 2:2 degree.

Whether you're considering a future career in teaching, SEND, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, counselling or another child-focused profession, this role can provide an excellent foundation for your career.

Why Become a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant?

Working as a SEN Teaching Assistant gives you the opportunity to develop practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how schools support pupils with additional needs.

You'll gain valuable experience in:

• Supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs
• Understanding individual learning styles and adapting your approach
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Encouraging communication, confidence and independence
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Working alongside teachers and other education professionals
• Developing your knowledge of SEND and inclusive education
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning
• Encouraging pupils to engage positively with school life
• Supporting pupils to achieve their individual potential

You'll receive guidance and support from experienced members of the school team, helping you build your confidence and develop valuable professional skills.

The Role

As a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll provide personalised support to pupils who require additional assistance to access learning, develop their skills and make progress.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for individual pupils
• Supporting pupils during small-group activities
• Helping pupils develop their academic and learning skills
• Supporting children and young people with SEND
• Helping remove barriers to learning and participation
• Encouraging positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence
• Adapting activities and learning resources to meet individual needs
• Supporting communication and social development
• Working closely with teachers to understand individual pupil needs
• Assisting with classroom activities and learning resources
• Providing reassurance, encouragement and emotional support
• Helping maintain a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment

Every pupil has different strengths, needs and challenges. This role will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding of individual needs and learn how to adapt your approach to support each child effectively.

What We're Looking For

Previous SEN experience is not essential.

We're looking for graduates who are genuinely passionate about helping children and young people succeed and who have the patience, empathy and resilience needed to thrive in a school environment.

You'll ideally have:

• A First Class, 2:1 or 2:2 degree
• A degree in any subject
• A genuine interest in supporting children and young people
• Patience, empathy and a positive attitude
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships
• A willingness to learn from experienced teachers and education professionals
• A calm, consistent and supportive approach
• The resilience to respond positively to challenging situations
• A genuine interest in developing a career within education or SEN
• The right to work in the UK on a full-time basis

Previous experience in SEN, schools, childcare, youth work, tutoring, mentoring, coaching or care would be beneficial but is not essential.

What matters most is your enthusiasm, reliability, patience and commitment to helping pupils achieve their potential.

Build Experience That Can Shape Your Career

A Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant position can be an excellent first step for graduates looking to gain practical experience before deciding which direction to take their career.

You'll gain first-hand experience supporting pupils with additional needs, develop valuable professional skills and learn from experienced education professionals.

The experience you gain could strengthen future applications for teacher training, SEN-focused roles, educational psychology, specialist education and a wide range of other child-centred careers.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to pupils' confidence, development, wellbeing and educational experience.

If you're a graduate who wants to do meaningful work while building valuable professional experience, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply Today

Apply today for the Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant position in Leek, starting September 2026.

Alternatively, contact Marvin at KPI Education on 0161 694 9757 for more information.

Start Date: September 2026
Location: Leek (ST13 6DW)
Salary: £500–£560 per week (£100–£115 per day)

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