Graduate in Haywards Heath
Academics Haywards Heath About the role
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 Haywards Heath 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 Haywards Heath 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 Haywards Heath 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
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 Haywards Heath
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.
Your tasks
Support children with special educational needs in a hands-on role.
Your profile
Degree in Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology; passion for mental health and child development.
What's also included
Competitive pay, ongoing training, and valuable experience in education.
Tech stack & ways of working
Graduate in Haywards Heath 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.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in the lives of young people while kickstarting your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Dive into local psychology associations or student groups; they often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities. This is a great way to connect with professionals and others in the field who might know of entry-level openings at places like Academics.
Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with mental health charities or community services. This not only boosts your CV but also opens doors to potential job leads and connections, which could point you in the direction of entry-level roles, including those at Academics.
Utilise University Career Services
If you’re still at uni or a recent grad, make the most of your career services. They can help connect you to internships or even entry-level jobs that might not be widely advertised yet, so keep checking in with them!
Apply Directly Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest openings at Academics. Direct applications can sometimes give you a better shot than relying solely on job boards. Get your application in and let’s make it happen!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Insights
In the psychology field, your academic background is super important! Make sure your CV highlights relevant courses, projects, and any specialised training you’ve had. If you've done research or completed a thesis, include that too – it shows your engagement with the field!
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter
For an entry-level role, your cover letter is your chance to showcase your enthusiasm for psychology. Talk about why you're keen on the role at Academics and how it aligns with your career goals. Share any relevant volunteering experiences or internships that add to your passion and readiness to learn.
Include Your Skills and Tools
Make sure your CV mentions any psychological assessment tools or software you’ve used, as they're crucial in showing your practical understanding of the field. If you’ve done any workshops or received certifications related to psychology, they’re worth including!
Keep It Relevant and Concise
When applying for entry-level positions, ensure your CV doesn’t go overboard with unrelated details. Focus on relevant experiences that showcase your skills, and keep it within one page if you can! We're all about clear, concise applications at StudySmarter, and we think Academics would appreciate that too.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
Show Off Your Passion for Psychology
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for the field during the interview. Share specific examples of what drew you to psychology—be it a pivotal moment in your studies or a particular area that fascinates you, like cognitive behavioural therapy or developmental psychology. This shows that you're not just seeking any job; you're genuinely invested in this career path.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In psychology, your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios is crucial. Be ready for questions like, 'How would you approach a client showing signs of anxiety?' Practise your responses to such scenarios, as this will demonstrate your critical thinking and practical application skills in the field.
Highlight Your Research Skills
As an entry-level candidate, your research skills can set you apart. Bring along any relevant coursework or projects that involved research methodologies or data analysis. Mentioning specific tools or software you’ve used for your research (like SPSS or NVivo) can show you're ready to contribute effectively right from the start.
Emphasise Willingness to Learn
As you're looking for an entry-level role, highlighting your eagerness to learn and grow is key. Share how you've actively sought out extra learning opportunities during your studies, whether that’s attending workshops or engaging in volunteer work. This makes it clear to Academics that you’re not just stagnating post-graduation—you’re primed for growth in the field.
Locations
- Haywards Heath
