Graduate Teaching Assistant

Graduate Teaching Assistant
Specialist Additional Needs Unit (Secondary School)

Location: Barry, CF62
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (Term Time Only)
Working Pattern: 08:10am – 15:10pm
Salary: £95 per day
Start Date: 5 th January 2026

Are you a recent graduate looking to build a rewarding career in education? Do you have a passion for supporting young people with additional needs? This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a specialist setting and develop the skills needed for a future teaching or pastoral role.

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a Specialist Additional Needs Unit within a busy and supportive secondary school. You will be working with pupils aged 11–16 who experience anxiety, mental health challenges, and a range of learning difficulties.

You will work within a small class of approximately 15 pupils, with opportunities to support learners in even smaller intervention groups. Lessons will be pre‑planned and set by the class teacher, and you will help deliver learning activities across a broad range of secondary school subjects.

• Supporting pupils with additional needs to access learning and stay engaged.
• Delivering pre‑set lessons and learning activities in small group intervention sessions.
• Promoting positive emotional wellbeing and helping learners manage anxiety.
• Building trusting, supportive relationships with students.
• Assisting the teacher with the preparation and organisation of resources.
• Encouraging pupil independence, confidence, and progress.
• Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

• A recent graduate (any subject) with a genuine interest in education – however will accept applications from a strong applicant without a Degree.
• Patience, resilience, and a caring, empathetic approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport.
• A desire to support young people with complex needs.
• A proactive, flexible work ethic.
• Experience with children, young people, or SEN (desirable but not essential).

• A welcoming, supportive staff team.
• Valuable experience for future teachers, psychologists, social workers, or SEN specialists.
• The chance to develop practical skills in behaviour support, differentiation, and SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) needs.
• Term‑time only working pattern.

If you’re motivated, compassionate, and excited about helping young people thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV.

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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