At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEN and SEMH needs, helping them thrive in a school environment.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free training, and 24/7 support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in education, psychology, and youth support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while shaping the future of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduates passionate about supporting young people; no prior school experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 27353 - 33431 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology graduate looking to build a rewarding career working with children and young people? Whether you’re considering a future career in educational psychology, SEN, mental health, counselling, teaching or youth support, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a school while making a real difference to young people’s lives.
Milk Education is working with a number of schools across Gateshead and surrounding areas to recruit enthusiastic, compassionate and resilient Psychology Graduates to work as Learning Support Assistants and Teaching Assistants, supporting pupils with SEN and SEMH needs. You’ll play a vital role in helping students overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve their full potential.
About the Role
As a Psychology Graduate – SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you’ll work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to support pupils both inside and outside the classroom. Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing one-to-one and small group support to pupils with SEN and SEMH needs.
- Supporting students with their learning, communication and emotional development.
- Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils and acting as a consistent, supportive adult.
- Helping students develop confidence, resilience and emotional regulation.
- Supporting pupils who may experience anxiety, challenging behaviour or difficulties with engagement.
- Delivering or supporting targeted interventions and personalised learning activities.
- Assisting teachers in creating a calm, inclusive and positive learning environment.
- Encouraging positive behaviour and promoting independence.
- Supporting students during lessons, breaktimes, transitions and throughout the school day.
- Working alongside school staff to implement individual support and behaviour strategies.
- Monitoring and reporting on pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing.
- Following school safeguarding, behaviour and SEND policies.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re particularly keen to hear from Psychology graduates who are passionate about supporting children and young people and are looking to gain valuable school-based experience. You may have experience working with young people through:
- SEN Teaching Assistant roles
- Learning Support Assistant roles
- Behaviour Mentor positions
- Youth Work
- Residential or Children’s Care
- Mental Health Support
- Counselling or therapeutic settings
- Sports coaching
- Volunteering
- Tutoring or mentoring
- Family or community support
You’ll be:
- Compassionate, patient and understanding.
- Calm and resilient when supporting challenging situations.
- Confident building positive relationships with young people.
- Passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs.
- An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Able to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
- Professional, reliable and committed to safeguarding.
- Interested in developing a career within education, psychology, SEN or pastoral support.
No previous school experience is essential where you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
Why Join Milk Education?
- Competitive daily pay.
- Flexible opportunities to suit your availability.
- Term-time only working.
- Free access to Milk Academy with over 1,000 CPD courses.
- Training including Behaviour Management, Safeguarding, SEND and Trauma-Informed Practice.
- Dedicated education consultant supporting your career journey.
- 24/7 support throughout your placement.
- Referral bonus scheme.
- Opportunities to work across a range of welcoming schools in Gateshead and surrounding areas.
- Valuable experience to support your future career in psychology, education or SEN.
Build Your Career in Psychology & Education
This role is ideal if you’re considering a future career in:
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Teaching
- Pastoral Support
- Behaviour Support
- Counselling
- Youth Work
- Social Work
- Mental Health Services
Working within a school environment will give you valuable first-hand experience of supporting children and young people, while developing your understanding of SEN, SEMH, behaviour, safeguarding, emotional regulation and individual learning needs. You’ll gain practical experience that can strengthen future applications for psychology postgraduate courses, teaching training and wider careers working with children and young people.
Email: leah.house@milk-education.co.uk
Call: 0191 486 2500
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory compliance and vetting checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo Compliance+ standards. Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant in Gateshead employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant in Gateshead
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant at Milk Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate SEN Learning Support Assistant in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Milk Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Milk Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Milk Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Milk Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.