At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a specialist SEN setting.
- Company: A supportive SEN school in Crawley, West Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and valuable hands-on experience.
- Other info: Monday to Friday, term time only, with fantastic on-site training.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in psychology or mental health while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology; passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology graduate looking to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people? This is a fantastic opportunity in Crawley for a recent or soon-to-be graduate to build invaluable experience in a specialist SEN setting.
We are working with a supportive SEN school that caters for pupils with additional needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This role in Crawley is ideal for a Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology graduate considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, or Youth Justice.
The Role
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, helping them to access learning, regulate emotions, and develop key life skills. This position in Crawley is particularly well suited to a Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology graduate who is keen to gain practical, real-world experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN
- Support emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement
- Assist with personalised learning and behaviour strategies
- Observe and report on pupil progress and wellbeing
- Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
- Help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment
- Provide personal care where required
What We're Looking For
- A degree in Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology
- A strong interest in mental health, behaviour, and child development
- A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A proactive and reflective mindset
- Experience with children or vulnerable individuals (desirable but not essential)
- Able to commute to Crawley
What You'll Gain
- First-hand experience in a specialist SEN/SEMH setting
- Exposure to behaviour management and therapeutic approaches
- Experience working alongside a multidisciplinary team
- A strong foundation for careers in psychology or mental health
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Start date September, trial days taking place to ensure the role and school is right for you. Fantastic on-site training, support and CPD is provided to ensure safeguarding of all pupils. Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 15:30, PAYE, term time only. £93-£105 per day. You MUST have right to work in the UK in order to apply - no Visa sponsorship. Candidates registering with Academics will need to have or apply for an Enhanced DBS and/or overseas police check where appropriate.
Apply now or contact Maddy Thatcher at Academics if you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate interested in the Special Needs Teaching Assistant role.
Graduate in Crawley employer: Academics
At Academics, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer for teachers in East Kent, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises your professional growth. With early access to exclusive job opportunities and a dedicated consultant to guide you through the application process, we ensure that you find a role that truly fits your aspirations. Join us to benefit from tailored job matching and expert advice, making your journey towards a fulfilling teaching career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate in Crawley
✨Get Involved in Local Psychology Events
Jump into some local psychology meetups or seminars. These events are a goldmine for networking and learning about internship opportunities. Plus, you can get to know people who could potentially help you land a gig at cool places like Academics!
✨Utilise Your University Career Services
Don’t sleep on your university's career services! They often have exclusive partnerships with local companies for internships, including your dream role at Academics. Make an appointment and get them to help you polish your pitch and find openings.
✨Join Online Psychology Communities
Engage in online forums or social media groups focused on psychology. Sites like Reddit, or even Facebook groups, can be fantastic spots to hear about internships and get advice from those who've been through it.
✨Connect with Professors and Alumni
Leverage your professors and alumni networks! They often have industry contacts and can give you the inside scoop on internship opportunities at places like Academics. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – most will be more than happy to assist!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:In your cover letter, we want to see your enthusiasm for the field of psychology! Mention specific areas that fascinate you and how this internship at Academics aligns with your career goals. Make it personal—share any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in psychology.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Don’t forget to showcase your academic achievements! Include coursework related to psychology that could be relevant for the internship. We love seeing projects or research papers you’ve worked on, so if you've conducted any studies or have results to share, put those in your CV or cover letter to highlight your practical knowledge.
Emphasise Your Learning Potential:As this is an internship, we want to know what you hope to learn and gain from this experience at Academics. In your cover letter, express your willingness to develop specific skills or knowledge areas during your time with us. Demonstrating a learning mindset can really make you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Your CV should reflect your dedication to psychology—make sure to include any relevant volunteer work, internships, or extracurriculars. If you've attended workshops or conferences, jot those down too! Just like we tailor our study resources, you should tailor your CV to highlight what makes you a great fit for this internship at Academics.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key psychology theories and concepts relevant to the position at Academics. We might get asked to explain how these theories apply in real-life scenarios, so think about practical examples that showcase your understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
As an intern, your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn can set you apart. Prepare to discuss why you're interested in psychology and what draws you to Academics specifically. This is your chance to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but that you genuinely want to grow in this field.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Expect some role-playing exercises in the interview, especially if you're applying for a position that involves client interaction. Practising how you’d handle specific psychological scenarios or dialogues can really show us your potential and approach to real-world problems.
✨Show Off Your Projects
If you've completed any relevant projects, whether academic or voluntary, have them ready to discuss. Highlight what you learned, any methodologies you used, and how these experiences prepared you for your internship at Academics. This showcases your practical skills in a field where theory meets application.
