At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs and help them thrive in a positive learning environment.
- Company: Welcoming SEN school in North Leeds dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for aspiring teachers, psychologists, and social workers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a passion for supporting children and young people.
Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – North Leeds – September 2026
Are you a recent graduate looking to start a rewarding career in education, psychology, therapy, social work, or youth support?
Do you want to gain valuable hands-on experience while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?
We are seeking enthusiastic and compassionate graduates to join a welcoming and supportiveSEN school in North Leeds. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, gain specialist SEND experience, and build a strong foundation for a future career working with children and young people.
As aGraduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils with a range ofSpecial Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism (ASC), ADHD, Speech and Language needs, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Every day offers the chance to help pupils build confidence, independence, and achieve their full potential.
Why join our North Leeds SEN school team?
- Competitive daily pay
- Excellent experience for aspiring teachers, educational psychologists, therapists, and social workers
- Ongoing SEND training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive leadership team and experienced SEN professionals
- Long-term and permanent career opportunities
- The chance to make a genuine impact on pupils’ educational and personal development
What you’ll be doing
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs
- Supporting teachers to deliver engaging and accessible learning activities
- Helping pupils develop communication, social, and emotional skills
- Implementing tailored learning and behaviour support strategies
- Creating a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment
- Building positive relationships with pupils, families, and school staff
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Supporting personal care needs where required
Who we’re looking for
- Recent graduates from any degree discipline
- Graduates in Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Sociology, Criminology, Health & Social Care, and related subjects are particularly encouraged to apply
- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
- A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- An interest in SEND, mental health, or child development
- Previous experience working with young people is beneficial but not essential
Ideal for graduates considering careers in:
- Teaching and teacher training
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Work
- Youth Work and Pastoral Support
Full training and ongoing support are available, making this an excellent opportunity for graduates looking to gain valuable school-based experience.
If you’re a graduate ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career in education or child support services, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our team today to find out more about this excitingGraduate SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in North Leeds.
Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – North Leeds – September 2026 employer: Castle Education
Castle Education is an excellent employer for primary teachers seeking a flexible and supportive work environment in Thirsk. With competitive pay rates, reduced workloads, and a commitment to professional development, we prioritise your work-life balance while empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Join us to benefit from our strong community ties and ongoing support as you grow in your teaching career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – North Leeds – September 2026
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Castle Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Castle Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Castle Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Castle Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – North Leeds – September 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Castle Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Castle Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castle Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
