Job Description:

📍 Location: Reading
💼 Contract: Full-time, term-time only
🕓 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm
📅 Start Date: ASAP
💰 Pay: £90–£115 per day

❓ Are you a Psychology, Criminology, or related graduate looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people with SEN / SEMH needs?

Do you have a genuine interest in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and trauma-informed practice, and are considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or pastoral/therapeutic support roles?

🏫 About the School
A welcoming specialist provision in Reading is seeking a motivated Graduate Intervention & Pastoral Assistant to join their dedicated SEMH team.
The school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom may have experienced trauma, display challenging behaviours, or are at risk of exclusion. Building trust, consistency, and positive relationships is central to the role.
This is an excellent stepping stone opportunity for graduates looking to build experience towards careers in psychology, education, youth work, or therapeutic practice, offering real exposure to SEMH work in a structured and supportive environment.

🎯 Your Role
As a Graduate Intervention & Pastoral Assistant, you will:

• 🤝 Build positive, trusting relationships with students who are disengaged or at risk of exclusion
• 💬 Support pupils’ social, emotional, and mental health development
• 🌈 Deliver and support targeted interventions to improve engagement and behaviour
• 📘 Work alongside teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals to support pupil progress
• 🛡️ Provide consistent pastoral support and emotional regulation strategies
• 💡 Promote restorative approaches, empathy, and positive behaviour support

This role offers valuable exposure to SEMH practice, intervention work, and therapeutic approaches, providing excellent preparation for further training or postgraduate study.

👤 Person Specification

• Passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Calm, empathetic, resilient, and able to remain composed in challenging situations
• Motivated, professional, and eager to learn
• No prior school experience required – full training and CPD provided

🌟 What We Offer

• Real, hands-on experience supporting vulnerable and disengaged learners
• Training in restorative practice and trauma-informed approaches
• CPD, mentoring, and ongoing career development
• Clear progression pathways into psychology, therapy, SEN, or education roles
• A supportive and collaborative school environment where you can make a real impact

📩 How to Apply
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and helping them re-engage with education, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply now or contact Eleanor Chessun-Lawrence on (phone number removed) or (url removed) for more information.

🗓️ Applicants must have the right to work in the UK