Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Complex Needs

Hackney Vocational College & Pupil Referral Unit
N1 | Full-Time | Long-Term | Immediate Start

Are you a recent graduate with a degree in Psychology, Education, or a related field?
Do you want hands-on experience supporting young people with complex SEN and behavioural needs?
Are you looking to build a strong foundation for a future career in teaching, educational psychology, therapy, or youth work?

This Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Complex Needs role at a Hackney-based Vocational College and PRU offers an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful experience working with students who require high levels of support.

About the Setting

This specialist Vocational College and Pupil Referral Unit in Hackney supports young people who have been excluded or are unable to access mainstream education. Students often present with:

• Autism (ASC)
• ADHD
• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
• Trauma and attachment difficulties
• Challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation

The provision focuses on re-engagement, vocational learning, and personal development, helping students build confidence and pathways into further education or employment.

About KPi Education

KPi Education specialises in placing high-quality graduates into long-term roles within schools, SEN provisions, and alternative settings across London.

With a tailored, relationship-led approach, KPi provides schools with consistent, motivated staff while supporting graduates in developing the skills needed for long-term careers in education, psychology, and therapeutic professions.

The Role – Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs)

As a Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support students on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Assist with behaviour regulation, emotional wellbeing, and engagement
• Support delivery of vocational and core learning activities
• Implement behaviour support plans and de-escalation strategies
• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and SEN professionals
• Promote a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
• Track progress and contribute to individual support and learning plans

This is a hands-on, challenging, and highly rewarding role suited to graduates who are confident, resilient, and committed to supporting young people with complex needs.

Person Specification

To be considered, you must have:

• A degree in Psychology, Education, Criminology, Sociology, Childhood Studies, or a related field
• A strong interest in SEN, behaviour support, and alternative education
• Experience working with young people with SEN or behavioural needs (desirable, not essential)
• Excellent communication skills, empathy, and resilience
• The ability to build positive relationships with students who may be disengaged from education
• The right to work in the UK

Why This Role Is Ideal for Graduates

• Excellent preparation for careers in teaching, educational psychology, therapy, mental health, or youth justice
• Highly valued hands-on SEN and PRU experience
• Supportive, structured alternative education environment
• Opportunity to make a real, lasting impact on young people’s lives

Apply Today

If you’re a motivated graduate ready to support students with complex SEN and behavioural needs in a Hackney vocational college and PRU, apply today to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

INDEDU