Psychology Graduate jobs in Northamptonshire

Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant – Future Educational Psychologist & SEND Teacher Pathway

Shape A Life Graduate Careers Programme

Location: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Salary: £461 per week
Hours: 32.5 hours per week | Term-time only
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: September 2026 – July 2027

Start with purpose. Lead with impact.

Are you a graduate who wants to build a career supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Shape A Life is looking for a Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND provision within a primary school in Thrapston from September 2026.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a graduate considering a career in Educational Psychology, SEND Teaching, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or another child-centred profession to gain invaluable experience supporting children with Autism and additional learning needs.

Working alongside experienced teachers and SEND professionals, you'll help children develop the confidence, communication and independence they need to thrive throughout their education.

This is more than a graduate job.

It's an opportunity to become the trusted adult who helps a child believe in themselves.

The Opportunity

You'll become part of a dedicated SEND team, supporting a small class of eight children within a specialist provision.

Your role will focus on helping pupils access learning, regulate their emotions, develop communication skills and grow in confidence through consistent, personalised support.

Every day is different.

Every day matters.

You will:

• Support a class of eight children with Autism and additional learning needs.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.
• Help children develop communication, emotional regulation and independence.
• Support pupils in achieving their personalised learning and EHCP outcomes.
• Work closely with the class teacher and SEND team to deliver tailored interventions.
• Help create calm, predictable and engaging learning experiences.
• Build trusted relationships that promote confidence, wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Celebrate every achievement and help each child reach their full potential.

We're Looking For Someone Who Has

• A degree (2:2 or above) in Psychology, Education Studies, Childhood Studies, Health & Social Care, Sociology, Criminology or another related subject.
• A genuine passion for supporting children with SEND.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• A desire to build a long-term career supporting children and young people.

Experience working with children or individuals with SEND is welcomed but not essential.

Ideal For Graduates Considering Careers In

• Educational Psychology
• SEND Teaching
• Primary Teaching
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Social Care
• SEND and Inclusion Leadership

Why Join Shape A Life?

Shape A Life is the UK's only graduate careers programme dedicated to Education, Early Years and Children's Social Care.

We don't simply place graduates into schools.

We help future education professionals develop the experience, confidence and practical skills needed to build meaningful careers supporting children and young people.

When you join Shape A Life, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive weekly pay of £461.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Valuable hands-on experience within a specialist SEND provision.
• Practical experience that strengthens future teacher training and postgraduate applications.
• The opportunity to develop expertise in Autism, communication, emotional regulation and personalised learning.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to children's confidence, independence and future success.
• The potential to progress into teacher training or another specialist SEND profession at the end of your placement.

Apply Now

Interviewing now for September 2026.

If you're passionate about supporting children with SEND and ready to begin a rewarding career in education, we'd love to hear from you.

Simply click the Apply button to submit your application today.

Once we've received your application, a member of the Shape A Life team will be in touch to guide you through the next stages of the recruitment process.

Your future career supporting children with SEND could start this September.

Start with purpose. Lead with impact.

Safeguarding Statement

Shape A Life is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Successful applicants will be required to complete safer recruitment and pre-employment checks before starting their placement. These include:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Right-to-work verification
• Satisfactory references
• Safeguarding clearance in line with safer recruitment practices

Job Types: Full-time, Graduate

Pay: £461.00 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Work Location: In person