Trainee SEN Teacher; Placement

Are you studying Psychology or Education at University?

Are you interested in Special Educational Needs and Behaviour Analysis?

Are you looking to get one step ahead in your career before leaving university?

Jigsaw School, a day school for autistic children aged 4-19, is now recruiting for their sought‑after 1‑year paid placements for university students, who are looking to develop a career in psychology and special educational needs.

Placement students will have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience of teaching and supporting autistic children whilst accessing a wide range of fully funded training and qualification opportunities in SEN education and Behaviour Analysis. You will also receive support and regular supervision from some of the UK’s leading and internationally recognised Behaviour Analytic experts.

• A competitive salary and performance related bonus scheme
• Extensive training and development – all fully funded!
• Term time only working – don’t give up the school holidays just yet
• Work alongside our in‑house team of experienced therapists
• Excellent staff wellbeing and support facilities
• Discounts at over 900 retailers via our online ‘Smart Spending’ platform

• Behaviour specific qualifications including CABAS Teaching Assistant ranks (cabasschools.org) and Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) ()
• Regular industry training in Safeguarding, Emergency Medication, Behaviour Management, Personal Care, Autism, First Aid and more
• In‑situ teacher training and observations in the classroom

‘Working at Jigsaw School was an incredible opportunity and I acquired some really valuable experience. I completed a lot of training and gained many professional skills throughout my year’

‘I have felt myself grow both professionally and personally through this placement. I was placed at Jigsaw to benefit and educate the children, but in many ways, they have inspired me’

• Preparing and delivering lessons and activities, focusing largely on communication and life skills
• Within small classes, encourage pupils’ learning and progression whilst seeking to improving their social and emotional development
• Contributing to research and undertaking training to support your personal development
• Supporting pupils’ participation in trips, applying theory‑based learning to practice
• Providing behaviourally based support and monitoring pupil progress

• Professional, personal or voluntary experience of working with children with disabilities
• An interest in special educational needs, specifically autism
• Minimum Grade C/4 GCSE in English Language & Maths or equivalent
• Commitment to our regular and ongoing professional development programme and training
• Ability to keep calm in high‑pressure situations
• A positive, patient, caring and can‑do attitude
• Driver’s licence or access to a lift (due to remote location of our site)
• Confidence when working with children who exhibit behaviour that challenges and supporting with personal/intimate care

£26,458 FTE (£23,000 PA pro‑rata – based on 36.75 hours per week, term time only)

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:45 am‑4:45 pm, Tuesday: 8:45 am‑5:30 pm, Friday 8:45 am‑4:30 pm –
Term time only

Closing Date:
Placement are offered on a first‑come‑first‑served basis, therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We anticipate that interviews for shortlisted applicants will commence in November/December 2025.

To find out more and apply please visit our dedicated careers website at

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults  expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful candidates will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).