Job description
Psychology Graduates Wanted - Start Your SEND Career This September
Location: Greater Manchester (mainstream schools & specialist SEND settings)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term (Day-to-Day & Ongoing Supply also available)
Salary: Competitive daily rates / Scale point dependent on role
Studied Psychology? Put Your Degree to Work Where It Really Matters
If you've graduated in Psychology and are looking for a genuinely meaningful first step into your career, supporting children with SEN and SEND could be exactly what you're looking for. You'll already have a strong grounding in child development, behaviour and communication — now's the time to apply that knowledge directly, working alongside SENCOs, teachers and specialist staff to help young learners access their education and thrive.
We're working with mainstream primary and secondary schools, as well as specialist SEND settings, across Greater Manchester, all looking to appoint from September, and demand for the right candidates is high. If you're ready to start applying what you've learned in a real classroom setting, now is the time to register.
About the Role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs and complex/physical needs
- Support pupils working towards EHCP targets, under the direction of the class teacher and SENCO
- Help pupils access learning within continuous provision or a specialist curriculum, depending on setting
- Support emotional regulation, communication and behaviour, using strategies such as visual supports, sensory regulation and positive behaviour approaches
- Build trusted, positive relationships with pupils who need consistency, patience and reassurance
- Observe and record pupil progress, feeding back to the class teacher and SENCO
- In specialist settings, may include supporting with personal care, moving and handling, or medical needs (full training provided)
Why This Is a Great Route Into SEND
- Your Psychology degree gives you a genuine head start — understanding of development, behaviour and learning is directly transferable
- No prior classroom experience required — full guidance and support provided by experienced staff
- Choice of setting: mainstream inclusion roles or specialist SEND schools, depending on what interests you most
- A brilliant stepping stone if you're considering educational psychology, SENCO routes, teaching (via SCITT/PGCE) or therapeutic careers
- Real, hands-on experience supporting children with additional needs, in a role that makes a genuine daily difference
- Opportunities across Greater Manchester, so we can match you to a school — mainstream or specialist — local to you
What We're Looking For
- A Psychology degree (or currently completing one)
- Genuine interest in working with children with SEN/SEND
- Patient, calm and adaptable approach
- Strong communication skills with children, staff and parents
- Willingness to undertake relevant SEND/safeguarding training where required (including moving and handling, epilepsy or medication training for specialist settings, where applicable)
Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out of education for a little while, if you have a Psychology degree and want a career that combines your academic knowledge with real, hands-on impact, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to register your interest ahead of September — vacancies across both mainstream and specialist SEND settings are already coming in, and early registration means we can match you before roles are filled.
Register Now
Orien.Mojdeh@gsleducation.com
0161 537 6500
All applicants will require a fully enhanced DBS and two professional references covering the last two years.