Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Bristol, Bath & Gloucester

Full-Time & Part-Time Roles | Term-Time Only | Long-Term and Permanent Roles Available
Immediate Starts | Ideal for Graduates Seeking Experience in SEN, Education or Psychology

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed graduates to support schools across Bristol, Bath and Gloucester as Graduate SEN Teaching Assistants. This role involves working closely with children and young people who have a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN), including Autism, SEMH, ADHD, communication differences, learning difficulties and behavioural challenges.

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience before progressing into careers such as teaching, educational psychology, SEN support, youth work, mental health services or social care.

Whether your degree is in Psychology, Education, Criminology, Social Sciences, Childhood Studies, Counselling, Sports Science or a related field, or you simply have a passion for supporting children, this role offers valuable experience within inclusive educational settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with a range of learning, social and emotional needs
• Build strong, supportive relationships to help pupils develop confidence and independence
• Assist students with communication, emotional regulation and classroom routines
• Support teachers with delivering structured, accessible and inclusive learning activities
• Help students remain engaged and focused during lessons
• Implement personalised learning plans, behaviour strategies and intervention programmes
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams and outside professionals
• Contribute to a calm, safe and inclusive environment that promotes positive learning behaviours

Who This Role Suits

This role is especially well suited to graduates who are:

• Considering careers in teaching, SEN, psychology, youth work or social care
• Motivated to support young people with additional needs
• Confident in building rapport and guiding pupils through challenges
• Resilient, patient and adaptable in fast-paced school environments
• Eager to develop professional skills relevant to future studies or training routes

Experience working with children, whether through tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, sports coaching or care roles, is beneficial but not essential.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• A genuine interest in SEN and inclusive education
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A calm, patient approach when dealing with challenging situations
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills and strategies
• Reliability, professionalism and consistency in supporting students
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience working with children or young people in any capacity
• Awareness of Autism, SEMH, ADHD or trauma-informed practice
• Previous involvement in wellbeing, pastoral or youth support roles
• Relevant training such as safeguarding, behaviour management or first aid
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle (helpful for some locations)

What You Will Receive

• Competitive weekly pay through PAYE (no agency umbrella deductions)
• Flexible working options (3–5 days per week)
• Access to accredited CPD training, including: Team Teach (behaviour de-escalation) and Safeguarding and Child Protection
• £50 referral bonus after a referred candidate completes five working days
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant who understands your career goals
• Opportunities for permanent SEN Teaching Assistant roles across Bristol, Bath & Gloucester
• A rewarding position where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of young people

Why This Role Is Ideal for Graduates

This role is perfect if you want to:

• Gain essential, practical experience before teacher training or postgraduate study
• Develop specialist skills in SEN, pastoral support, and behaviour intervention
• Support young people to overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes
• Work in diverse school environments with excellent progression opportunities
• Build confidence and real-world experience in a supportive setting

Your commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to learn will have a meaningful impact on the pupils you work with.

Apply Now – Become a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant Across Bristol, Bath & Gloucester

If you are ready to begin your career in education and support young people with additional needs, we welcome your application.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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