Graduate Teaching Assistant (University Students & New Graduates Welcome)
Summary
Are you a current university student or recent graduate passionate about education, psychology or therapeutic support? Join a specialist school based in Whitehaven this September as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and gain hands‑on experience in a setting where every child is valued and supported to thrive.
The Role
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and support staff to help pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in a classroom and therapeutic context. Your days will be varied and engaging. Duties may include:
- Providing one‑to‑one and small‑group support for pupils with autism, communication challenges or sensory needs
- Helping pupils engage with learning through visual supports, structured routines and sensory strategies
- Adapting tasks and activities to suit individual needs and learning styles
- Supporting students during sensory breaks or in a sensory‑enriched environment
- Assisting with trips and outings (for example, local nature excursions, swimming pool visits and other enriching experiences)
- Helping manage transitions, behaviour and emotional regulation through therapeutic or sensory‑based approaches
- Working in partnership with teachers, therapists and families to review progress and strategies
The Ideal Person & Skills Needed
We welcome applications from those who are:
- Current university students or recent graduates (of any year) exploring a career in education, SEND, therapy, social care or related fields
- Holding a degree (or working toward one) in psychology, education, childhood studies, health & social care, sport, arts, drama or related discipline
- Empathetic, patient, positive and flexible in their approach
- Curious about therapeutic, sensory or inclusive practices and keen to learn
- Confident in communicating, collaborating and reflecting on practice
No prior teaching experience is required - we are looking for someone with heart, dedication and the willingness to grow in this role.
The School
This specialist school in Whitehaven supports pupils aged 3-19 with a range of additional needs. It nurtures a caring, inclusive culture underpinned by respect, routine and creativity. The school is recognised for providing a tailored environment where pupils with complex needs, sensory processing differences and communication challenges are supported to flourish.
Hours
Start date: Flexible
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am-3.30 pm
Full‑time and part‑time applications are welcome
This is a long‑term temporary role with the possibility of becoming permanent
The Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Regular weekday hours - no evenings or weekends
- Supported development in SEND, therapeutic and educational settings
- Mentoring, training and supervision from an experienced team
- Enriching experience working hands‑on with pupils and on school trips
- The chance to make a real, positive difference every day
If you are a university student or graduate ready to begin a rewarding journey in SEND education, this Graduate Teaching Assistant role based in Whitehaven offers the perfect opportunity to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.