Job Description
Trainee SEN Teacher (Paid Placement) – 1 Year Programme
Salary: £26,458 FTE (£23,000 pro rata, term time only)
Start: July–August 2026
Minimum commitment: 1 academic year
If you are studying Psychology or Education and serious about working in Special Educational Needs, this is the placement that actually moves your career forward.
An established specialist day school for autistic children aged 4–19 is offering a structured, paid trainee placement designed to build real-world expertise in autism education and Behaviour Analysis. This is not work experience. This is professional training, responsibility, and measurable growth.
About the Organisation
This specialist independent school operates within the SEN education and applied behaviour analysis sector, supporting autistic children through evidence-based, behaviourally informed teaching methods.
The school integrates therapy, structured teaching, and research-backed behavioural practice into daily classroom delivery. It works closely with Behaviour Analysts and therapists to ensure pupils receive consistent, data-driven support.
Industry:
* Special Educational Needs (SEN) Education
* Autism Education
* Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
* Specialist Independent School Provision
What You’ll Be Doing
You will be embedded in small specialist classrooms, working directly with autistic pupils and experienced SEN professionals.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Preparing and delivering lessons focused on communication and life skills
* Supporting social, emotional and behavioural development
* Implementing behaviourally informed teaching strategies
* Monitoring pupil progress using structured data systems
* Supporting school trips and practical learning experiences
* Undertaking research and continuous professional development
You will gain hands-on classroom experience from day one. No observation-only placements. You are part of the team.
Training & Qualifications – Fully Funded
This placement is designed as a development pathway into psychology, teaching, behavioural therapy or SEN careers.
You will receive:
* Behaviour-specific qualifications including CABAS Teaching Assistant ranks
* Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) training
* Safeguarding and First Aid training
* Behaviour Management certification
* Autism and Emergency Medication training
* Ongoing supervision from UK-recognised Behaviour Analytic experts
This is structured professional development, not informal learning.
Benefits
* Competitive term-time salary
* Performance-related bonus scheme
* Term-time only working – school holidays remain yours
* In-house therapist collaboration
* Strong staff wellbeing support
* Retail discount platform (900+ retailers)
* Clear professional progression route
Working Pattern: Term time only.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:45am–4:45pm
Tuesday: 8:45am–5:30pm
Friday: 8:45am–4:30pm
Full academic year commitment required.
Placements are offered on a first-come basis. Interviews begin November/December 2025.
Key Criteria: Essential
* Studying Psychology, Education or a related discipline
* GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
* Experience working with children with disabilities (professional, voluntary or personal)
* Genuine interest in autism and SEN education
* Calm under pressure
* Professional, patient and resilient
* Willingness to undertake continuous training
* Driver’s licence or access to transport (remote location)
* Confidence supporting children who may display behaviour that challenges
* Comfortable supporting personal and intimate care needs
Personal Attributes:
* Positive and proactive mindset
* Emotionally intelligent
* Able to follow structured behavioural frameworks
* Reflective and open to feedback
* Committed to safeguarding and professional standards
Who this is for:
This is for students who are serious about:
* Clinical or Educational Psychology
* SEN Teaching
* Behaviour Analysis
* Autism Specialism
* Child Development
If you want something casual, this is not it.
If you want to graduate with practical experience, recognised behavioural qualifications, and real classroom credibility, this placement gives you a genuine edge.
Safeguarding is non-negotiable. All successful applicants will require an Enhanced DBS clearance.
Apply early. These placements fill quickly.