Job Description:
This role is for psychology graduates who want real, grounded experience with children who need more than theory.
If you are genuinely interested in Autism, SEMH, emotional regulation, and child development in real-world settings, this role will stretch you, teach you, and shape your understanding far beyond lectures or textbooks.
I am recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEND setting in the Feltham area that supports children and young people with Autism (ASC), SEMH, ADHD, and associated communication and sensory needs. Pupils may be emotionally dysregulated, trauma-impacted, pre-verbal or non-verbal, and unable to access mainstream education without consistent, skilled support.
This is a setting where psychology is lived daily, not discussed in abstract terms.
About the Role
As a Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work directly with pupils who require calm, structured, emotionally intelligent support throughout the school day.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary environment where behaviour is understood through a psychological lens and where regulation, attachment, and safety are prioritised before learning.
This role is particularly well suited to graduates considering future pathways in educational psychology, clinical psychology, mental health services, or specialist SEND teaching.
The Children You Will Support
- Autistic children and young people (ASC)
- Pupils with SEMH and emotional regulation difficulties
- Children with ADHD and attention or impulse-control challenges
- Pupils with sensory processing differences
- Learners with communication needs, including non-verbal communication
- Some pupils may present with distress behaviours during periods of dysregulation
What You Will Be Doing Day to Day
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups under the guidance of experienced staff
- Helping children regulate emotionally using trauma-informed approaches
- Observing behaviour and responding thoughtfully rather than reactively
- Supporting communication through visuals, routines, and structured support
- Assisting pupils to access learning in ways that suit their individual needs
- Learning how to de-escalate, co-regulate, and rebuild trust during challenging moments
- Reflecting on behaviour patterns and contributing to consistent support strategies
An Honest Word About the Reality
This is not a passive graduate role.
Some days will be emotionally demanding, and progress may be slow or non-linear. You will need resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to stay calm when a child cannot.
Graduates who succeed here are curious, reflective, and committed to understanding children rather than controlling them. If you are looking for an easy classroom role or something purely academic, this will not be the right fit.
Who This Role Is For
This role will suit you if:
- You hold a psychology degree or closely related qualification
- You have a genuine interest in SEND, child development, and mental health
- You are emotionally intelligent and open to learning through experience
- You understand that behaviour is communication
- You are considering a long-term career working with children or young people with additional needs
This role is not suited to graduates applying broadly without a clear interest in SEND.
Role Details
- Role: Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant
- Location: Feltham (local area only)
- Salary: £90 – £105 per day (PAYE only, depending on experience)
- Contract Type: Full-time, long-term
- Start Date: ASAP or next available start
About PSI Inclusion
PSI Inclusion is a specialist SEND recruitment consultancy committed to ethical, transparent recruitment. I work exclusively within SEND and operate on a PAYE-only basis, ensuring clarity, fairness, and proper support for candidates.
My approach is consultative, honest, and relationship-led. I focus on long-term fit, not quick placements.
If you are a psychology graduate who wants meaningful, challenging experience that genuinely develops your understanding of SEND and child psychology, I would welcome your application.
Please apply with a CV that clearly outlines your relevant experience and motivations.