At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them regulate emotions and engage with learning.
- Company: Specialist SEMH provision in Gloucester focused on personalised education.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, funded training, career development, and supportive staff.
- Other info: Opportunities for permanent roles and clear progression into specialist positions.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in mental health and make a real difference in young lives.
- Qualifications: Psychology degree or related field; experience with children is a plus.
Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain hands-on experience in a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) setting? We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist, multi-site SEMH provision across Gloucester (GL1, GL2 and GL19), supporting pupils across primary and secondary (ages 7–18) who require a more personalised, therapeutic approach to education. This role provides invaluable experience for those pursuing careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Therapy or SEN Teaching.
About the Role
You will work closely with pupils who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, attachment difficulties or barriers to learning, supporting them to:
- Regulate emotions and develop coping strategies
- Build trust and positive relationships
- Re-engage with education and routines
- Develop confidence, independence and resilience
Pupils may present with:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Autism (ASC), ADHD and sensory needs
- Anxiety, trauma backgrounds or emotional dysregulation
- Challenging behaviour linked to unmet needs
This is a relationship-led role, where consistency and understanding are key.
Multi-Site Opportunities in Gloucester
Roles are available across three specialist settings:
- GL19 – Secondary provision (SEMH focus)
- GL1 – Primary and girls’ secondary provision
- GL2 – Girls-only secondary provision
Each site offers small class sizes, structured routines and strong staff support, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group SEMH support
- Help pupils manage behaviour and emotional regulation
- Apply psychological understanding in real-world situations
- Support students to engage with learning and routines
- Work alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
- Implement behaviour and support strategies
- Promote confidence, independence and positive relationships
- Contribute to a calm, predictable and safe environment
Who This Role Suits
This role is ideal for:
- Psychology graduates
- Graduates in Criminology, Mental Health or Education
- Individuals with experience in SEMH, care or behaviour support
- Support workers looking to move into education
We strongly encourage applications from graduates with practical experience supporting children or vulnerable individuals, but full school experience is not essential.
Training Career Development
Full support to gain Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualifications
Ongoing CPD in SEMH, behaviour and safeguarding
Opportunity to build experience for postgraduate study or professional training
Clear progression into specialist SEN or mental health roles
What You Will Receive
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Long-term, stable placement in a specialist SEMH environment
- Supportive, experienced staff team
- Funded training and career development
- Dedicated consultant support
- Opportunities for permanent roles across all sites
Why This Role Is Ideal for Psychology Graduates
- Direct exposure to SEMH, trauma-informed practice and behaviour support
- Real opportunity to apply theory to practice
- Strong foundation for careers in mental health, therapy or educational psychology
- Meaningful work that has visible impact on young people
If you are looking to build a career supporting young people with SEMH needs and want real-world experience in a specialist setting, we would love to hear from you. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
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’. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
Psychology Graduate Learning Support Assistant (Gloucester) employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer for Psychology graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With a supportive work culture, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment that values their contributions. The multi-site provision across Gloucester offers unique experiences in small class settings, allowing for personal growth and the chance to apply psychological principles in real-world educational contexts.
