Aspiring Psychologist (LSA)

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We’re currently recruiting for a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Secondary School in Newcastle Upon Tyne, on a long-term, short-term, or temp-to-perm basis, starting in September.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate or aspiring psychologist looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience working with children and young people before progressing into a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Counselling, Therapy, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or another child-focused profession.

You’ll be joining an inclusive secondary school that is committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of every student. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion, mental health and pastoral support, creating an environment where young people are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and independence.

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with teachers, SEND professionals, pastoral teams and other members of the school’s wider support network. This will give you valuable insight into child development, behaviour, emotional regulation, communication, additional learning needs and the ways in which a young person’s environment can influence their learning and wellbeing.

For aspiring psychologists, this role offers the opportunity to develop real-world experience of working with young people, observe different behaviours and needs, build professional relationships and understand how education and wellbeing support can positively impact a child’s development.

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to students with a range of learning, behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Developing positive and trusting relationships with students to promote confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing and engagement.
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, communication, social skills and positive behaviour strategies.
• Observing student behaviour and identifying potential barriers to learning, wellbeing and engagement.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons and adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Delivering targeted academic, social, emotional and wellbeing interventions.
• Supporting students who may have additional needs, including SEND and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENDCOs, pastoral staff and other professionals to support individual students.
• Monitoring student progress and contributing relevant observations to support planning and intervention.
• Encouraging students to develop independence, self-awareness, resilience and positive attitudes towards learning.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment.

• A degree in Psychology is highly desirable, or you are due to graduate this year.
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, CAMHS, mental health, counselling, therapy or another child-focused profession.
• A strong interest in child development, behaviour, mental health, wellbeing and learning.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people to reach their potential.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• An empathetic, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• The ability to remain calm, resilient and professional when supporting students experiencing challenges.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn from experienced education and support professionals.
• Experience working with children or young people through volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, coaching, youth work, care work or similar settings is desirable but not essential.
• The ability to work…