Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant – Psychology Graduate

Location: Greater Manchester (mainstream schools & specialist SEND settings)
Salary: £95–£120 per day
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term (Day-to-Day & Ongoing Supply also available)
Start Date: September 2026

We are recruiting Psychology graduates for SEND Teaching Assistant roles across mainstream primary and secondary schools, and specialist SEND settings, in Greater Manchester, starting September. Your Psychology degree gives you a genuine head start understanding child development, behaviour and communication — this role lets you apply that knowledge directly, working alongside SENCOs, teachers and specialist staff to help pupils with SEND access their education.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with 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 Role:

  • No prior classroom experience required — full guidance provided by experienced staff
  • Choice of mainstream inclusion roles or specialist SEND schools
  • A strong stepping stone towards educational psychology, SENCO routes, teaching (SCITT/PGCE) or therapeutic careers
  • Opportunities across Greater Manchester, matched to a school local to you

Requirements:

  • 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

To Apply:
Email: Orien.Mojdeh@gsleducation.com
Call: 0161 537 6500

A fully enhanced DBS and two professional references covering the last two years are required.