Research Internship (Health and Wellbeing Education in SEN Schools)

Do you have a psychology or education degree? Are you interested in gaining practical teaching experience whilst undertaking research in the field of health & wellbeing for special schools?

Jigsaw School, a day school for autistic children aged 4-19, has a fixed-term opportunity for a graduate with a psychology or education degree, or a degree in a similar field. This dual role provides the opportunity both to gain hands-on experience of supporting autistic children while working on a research programme to improve health and wellbeing education in special schools. You will have access to a wide range of funded training and qualification opportunities in SEN education and Behaviour Analysis and will receive support and regular supervision from some of the UK’s leading and internationally recognised Behaviour Analytic experts.

What will I be doing during my internship?

You will gain valuable experience in conducting research and presenting information and will work with a range of professionals in the field by:

• Conducting a review of behaviourally based health and wellbeing practices at the school and potentially across a sample of special schools in the UK
• Presenting recommendations to inform the development of a health and wellbeing programme for the sector
• Auditing health and wellbeing practices within Jigsaw School and making recommendations to strengthen the organisation’s approach and measurement thereof

You will gain hands-on experience of supporting autistic children by:

• Providing teaching and support to our pupils, following individualised curriculums
• Planning, preparing, and delivering lessons and activities, focusing largely on life skills
• 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 to reduce behaviours that impact quality of life
• Providing personal care, encouraging pupils to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene (toileting, feeding)
• Monitoring pupil progress, ensuring teaching is appropriate and effective for each child’s needs
• Assisting with breaktime duties including playground support and snack time

What training & qualification opportunities are there?

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

What are the benefits of this internship?

• The opportunity to broaden your skills and expand your CV
• The chance to receive support and regular supervision from some of the UK’s leading and internationally recognised Behaviour Analytic experts

What do I need to apply?

• A degree in psychology, education, or a similar field
• Professional, personal, or voluntary experience of working with children with disabilities
• Experience of conducting research
• Comfortable working with children who exhibit behaviour that challenges
• Comfortable supporting others with personal/intimate care where required

Additional Information

Salary: £25,500 per annum FTE
Contract terms: 1 Year Fixed term opportunity, 2nd June 2025 – 22nd May 2026

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:45am – 4:45pm
• Tuesday: 8:45am – 5:30pm
• Friday: 8:45am – 4:30pm

Annual leave: 56 days school holiday + Bank holidays per academic year

ABOUT JIGSAW

Jigsaw Trust is a registered charity inspired by autism in its desire to provide the very best in ongoing education, vocational, and wellbeing services for autistic people; it is also committed to raising awareness of autism and promoting the understanding and acceptance of autistic people.

Jigsaw Trust incorporates: Jigsaw CABAS School, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, educating children aged 4-19 years, and JigsawPlus, a specialist day service delivering key living and life skills learning for adults from the age of 18+. The Trust also operates 2 social enterprises: Café on the Park, providing work experience and volunteering opportunities in a public-facing setting, and Jigsaw GARDENworks, enabling learners of all ages to embark on a range of gardening and related outdoor activities.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised date if there is a significant response rate. We therefore highly advise you to apply for the role promptly, to avoid disappointment should the vacancy closing date be brought forward.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We 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).