At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and assist in their learning and emotional development.
- Company: Special School in Croydon focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, ongoing training, and valuable exposure to psychology and mental health fields.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career preparation opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain practical skills while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Aspiring Psychologist or recent graduate with a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 23100 - 28000 £ per year.
Are you an Aspiring Psychologist looking to gain hands-on experience supporting children with additional needs? Do you want to build valuable experience before progressing into psychology, therapy, or mental health training?
We are recruiting a dedicated Aspiring Psychologist to work as a SEN Teaching Assistant in a specialist Special School based in Croydon. This role is ideal for someone considering a future career in psychology, educational psychology, mental health support, or therapy. You will gain practical experience supporting children with complex additional needs in a structured and supportive environment. The school supports pupils with conditions such as ASD, ADHD and SEMH needs. You will work closely with experienced teachers, SEN professionals and external specialists while developing key skills relevant to psychology and child development.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs
- Supporting small groups with learning and engagement
- Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and classroom management
- Helping pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour support
- Monitoring and recording pupil progress
- Supporting pupils during transitions and unstructured times
Ideal Candidate
- Aspiring Psychologist, undergrad or recent graduate interested in psychology
- Passionate about child development and supporting pupils with SEN
- Patient, empathetic and resilient
- Experience in a school, care, support or youth setting (desirable)
- Able to commit to a full-time role in Croydon
What's in it for you
- Hands-on experience in a Special School setting
- Exposure to SEN, behaviour support and specialist interventions
- Excellent experience for future psychology or mental health training
- Supportive school environment with ongoing training opportunities
This is a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful experience supporting children while preparing for a future career in psychology or mental health. If you are an Aspiring Psychologist ready to gain practical experience in a Special School in Croydon, apply today!
Aspiring Psychologist in South Croydon employer: Academics
Join a supportive and nurturing environment in Croydon, where you can gain invaluable hands-on experience as an Aspiring Psychologist. Our specialist school is dedicated to fostering your growth with ongoing training opportunities and exposure to diverse SEN practices, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in psychology or mental health. With a focus on collaboration and professional development, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist in South Croydon
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Join local psychology associations or clubs in your area. They often host networking events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the field. This is a great way to get insider information and showcase your enthusiasm.
✨Utilise Your University Career Service
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if you're still studying. They often have connections with local clinics and organisations offering trainee roles, so get involved in workshops and career fairs they organise.
✨Start a Psychology Blog or Vlog
Why not channel your passion into a blog or vlog? Share your insights on psychology topics that excite you. This not only builds your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Plus, it could attract the attention of potential employers, including Academics.
✨Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out Directly
Sometimes, it's all about who you know—or who you can contact! Don't hesitate to reach out directly to organisations you'd love to work with. Introduce yourself, express your interest in trainee roles, and even ask about potential openings. You'd be surprised at the opportunities that can open up just by being proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist in South Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, your academic achievements matter! Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, your grades, and if you've been involved in any research projects or psychology clubs. All of this shows your dedication and passion for the subject—something that’s crucial for a trainee role at Academics.
Share Your Experience with People:Even if you haven’t officially worked in psychology yet, talk about any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs where you've interacted with people. Whether you've done tutoring, counselling, or even community engagement, it’s all relevant! We want to see how you've applied your knowledge in real-life situations.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Express your motivation for wanting to become a psychologist and why you’re excited about working at Academics. Focus on what you hope to learn from this trainee position and how it aligns with your career goals in psychology. Let your passion and personal touch come through!
Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you’ve got any certifications or have completed online courses relevant to psychology (like mental health first aid or counselling techniques), don’t forget to include them! They can set you apart from other applicants and show your initiative to learn even outside a formal setting. This is particularly important for a trainee role, where eagerness to learn is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Brush Up on Your Psychological Theories
Since you're applying for a trainee position in psychology, it's key to demonstrate your understanding of core psychological theories. Revise the major theories and think about how they'd apply in real-world scenarios, which can pop up during case study questions in the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening Skills
Interviewer might assess your ability to interact with clients or colleagues, so practising active listening is crucial. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend where you practice summarising what they've said, which showcases your ability to engage constructively.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, they’ll be looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your passion for psychology, whether it’s relevant coursework, volunteering, or reading specific books that shaped your interest.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
Psychoethical questions can come up, so think through dilemmas you might face in practice. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines in psychology, as being ready to discuss how you'd handle tricky situations can set you apart from other candidates.
