At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in primary, secondary, and specialist SEN schools.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, accredited training, and ongoing support from your consultant.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term-time with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on young lives.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in Psychology, Education, or related fields preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full or Part-time, Term-time only (Monday to Friday, 8:00/8:30am – 3:00/3:30pm)
Are you a recent graduate looking to gain practical experience supporting children and young people with additional needs? We are recruiting Graduate Teaching Assistants to work across primary, secondary, and specialist SEN schools in the Bristol area, supporting students with Autism, SEMH, ADHD, communication needs and learning difficulties. This role offers a strong foundation for graduates interested in pursuing careers in Education, Psychology, Mental Health, or Child Development, providing valuable, hands-on experience in school settings.
Key Responsibilities (Classroom & SEN Support Duties)
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs
- Build positive, consistent relationships to support engagement and progress
- Support students with emotional regulation, behaviour, and social development
- Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum and staying focused in lessons
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Encourage independence, confidence, and resilience
- Promote a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
Who This Role Suits
- Psychology, Criminology, Education or Health & Social Care graduates
- Individuals seeking experience ahead of further study (e.g. Educational Psychology, PGCE)
- Those interested in working with children with SEN or behavioural needs
- Candidates with experience in care, support work, youth work, or mentoring
No formal teaching qualification is required - a proactive approach, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in supporting young people are key.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- A strong interest in education, SEN, or child development
- Calm, patient and consistent approach
- Ability to build rapport and positive relationships
- Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic school environment
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Previous experience working with children or young people
- Knowledge of Autism, SEMH, ADHD or behaviour support strategies
- Understanding of safeguarding or school-based environments
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
What You’ll Get
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Access to accredited CPD including: SEN & SEMH training, Safeguarding & Child Protection, Behaviour management / Team Teach
- Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant
- Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
- Graduate Opportunity
- Gain direct, practical experience in schools from day one
- Develop skills highly valued in education and psychology careers
- Work within a structured, professional environment
- Build experience supporting children with a range of needs
- Follow a term-time schedule aligned with the school calendar
If you are looking to build experience in a meaningful role supporting young people, we would love to hear from you. Join a school setting where you can develop professionally while making a genuine impact.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Bristol employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Teaching Assistant - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join local education groups on social media, and attend job fairs. The more people you connect with, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools you're applying to. Know their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in working there.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's through mock interviews or casual chats with friends, being able to articulate your passion for supporting young people is key. Remember, confidence goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Graduate Teaching Assistant role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Teaching Assistant - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background in Psychology, Education, or Health & Social Care aligns with the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about working with children and young people, especially those with additional needs. A genuine interest in education and child development can really make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey in education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant and the specific needs of students with additional needs. Familiarise yourself with terms like Autism, SEMH, and ADHD, and think about how your background in Psychology or Education can help you support these students.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your genuine interest in working with children and young people shine through. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether it's volunteering, mentoring, or even personal experiences that have shaped your desire to support those with additional needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples where you've demonstrated patience, resilience, or teamwork. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students with SEN or how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.