At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a specialist educational setting.
- Company: Engage Education, dedicated to supporting education professionals.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, wellbeing support, and referral bonuses.
- Other info: Long-term role with excellent career growth opportunities in the SEND sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to professional development.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Boston Spa, West Yorkshire
Type: Full-Time, Long-Term
Working Hours: September starts at 08:30 am – 16:00 pm
Are you a Psychology Graduate looking to gain meaningful experience in a highly specialist educational setting? Whether your future career goals include becoming an Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behaviour Specialist, or Teacher, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills while making a real difference to the lives of young people with complex needs.
We are currently recruiting for a passionate, proactive, and caring Psychology Graduate to join the dedicated team at a Special School in Boston Spa. This long-term opportunity offers invaluable hands-on experience supporting children and young people with a range of severe and complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions, communication difficulties, and sensory processing needs.
Your Role as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
- Personalised Learning Support: Working alongside teachers and therapists to deliver tailored learning activities. Supporting pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small group settings.
- Communication and Interaction: Supporting pupils with communication needs using a range of strategies, including visual supports and communication aids. Encouraging positive social interaction and engagement throughout the school day.
- Sensory and Therapeutic Support: Assisting with sensory-based activities designed to support regulation, engagement, and development. Supporting pupils to access therapeutic programmes and interventions where appropriate.
- Resource Preparation: Helping to prepare and adapt learning materials to meet individual pupil needs. Creating engaging and accessible resources that promote participation and achievement.
- Feedback and Progress Monitoring: Observing and recording pupil progress, engagement, and wellbeing. Working closely with teachers, therapists, and families to support positive outcomes for pupils.
- Specialist SEND Support: Supporting pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), autism, and complex communication needs. Promoting independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing in a nurturing and supportive environment.
What Makes a Great Psychology Graduate LSA?
- Empathy and Compassion: A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs, recognising and celebrating individual achievements.
- Patience and Resilience: The ability to remain calm, positive, and solution-focused when supporting pupils with complex needs and challenging situations.
- Adaptability: A flexible approach to learning support, responding effectively to the diverse needs of pupils across the school.
- Strong Communication Skills: The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, therapists, and families.
- Commitment to Professional Development: A desire to develop specialist SEND knowledge and gain practical experience within a highly supportive multidisciplinary environment.
Why Work Through Engage Education?
- Get paid in line with national scales (AWR compliant)
- Free CPD and specialist SEND training opportunities
- Your own dedicated consultant
- Receive a £50 Amazon voucher when you refer a friend
- Wellbeing support, travel discounts, and retail offers through our partner benefits scheme
How to Apply
You can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly to discuss the opportunity further. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and experience for this role. If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. All applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work. Full assistance will be provided.
By applying for this role, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your details within our fully encrypted database in accordance with GDPR requirements.
Psychology Graduate — Special School LSA in Leeds employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Education is an exceptional employer for Psychology Graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with complex needs. Located in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through free CPD and specialist SEND training opportunities. Our dedicated team fosters a nurturing environment where employees can grow their skills while receiving competitive pay and additional benefits such as wellbeing support and travel discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate — Special School LSA in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for psychology graduates and think about how your experiences align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why you're excited about working with children with complex needs. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate Psychology Graduates like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate — Special School LSA in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role of a Learning Support Assistant. Highlight any experience you have with children, especially those with special educational needs, as this will show us you're a great fit for the position.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for supporting young people with complex needs. Share specific examples of how your background in psychology can contribute to the role and make a difference in the lives of the pupils.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:In this role, empathy, patience, and strong communication skills are key. Make sure to mention these qualities in your application. We want to see how you can connect with students and support their learning journey effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily keep track of your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and the specific challenges faced by children with complex needs. Familiarise yourself with relevant strategies and tools that can help support these pupils, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and compassion in previous experiences. Whether it's through volunteering or coursework, highlight moments where you made a positive impact on someone's life, especially in challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the school’s approach to supporting pupils with SEND. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you can adapt your support strategies to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Share specific examples of times when you had to think on your feet and adjust your approach, as flexibility is key in a special school setting.
