Trainee SEN Teacher; placement

Overview

Jigsaw School, a day school for autistic children aged 4-19, is now recruiting for a 1‑year paid placement for university students looking to develop a career in psychology and special educational needs. Placement students will gain hands‑on experience teaching and supporting autistic children while accessing fully funded training and qualification opportunities in SEN education and behaviour analysis. You will receive support and regular supervision from leading 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

ALL PLACEMENTS REQUIRE A MINIMUM COMMITMENT OF 1 ACADEMIC YEAR AND WILL COMMENCE BETWEEN JULY 2026 AND AUGUST 2026.

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).