Trainee SEN Teacher (Paid 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. 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.

What will I be doing during my placement year?

• Within small classes encouraging pupils learning and progression as well as improve their social and emotional development.

• Providing teaching and support to our pupils, following individualised curriculum plans

• Preparing and delivering lessons and activities, focusing largely on communication and 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 replace and reduce behaviours that impact quality of life

• Monitoring pupil progress, ensuring teaching is appropriate and effective for each child’s needs

• Assisting with breaktime duties including playground support and snack times

• Providing personal care and encouraging pupils to maintain acceptable levels of hygiene (toileting, feeding)

What funded training & qualification will be available to me during my placement?

• Behaviour specific qualifications including CABAS Teaching Assistant ranks (cabasschools.org) and Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) (bacb.com)

• 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

What do our past interns have to say?

‘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. Thank you to all the amazing people I have worked with at Jigsaw School for teaching me’

‘This placement has given me amazing training, experience and professional skills that I hope to implement into future roles. A huge thank you to the team at Jigsaw for supporting me throughout this 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’

What are the benefits of a paid placement at Jigsaw School?

• The opportunity to broaden your skills and expand your CV with a range of fully funded training pathways

• A competitive salary

• Term time only working – don’t give up the school holidays just yet!

• The opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of behaviour analysts, teachers, speech & language therapists and occupational therapists

• Free Parking

• Excellent staff wellbeing and support facilities

• Performance related bonus scheme

• Discounts at over 900 retailers via our online ‘Smart Spending’ platform

What do I need to apply?

• Professional, personal or voluntary experience of working with children with disabilities

• Minimum Grade C/4 GCSE in English Language & Maths or equivalent

• Confident working with children who exhibit behaviour that challenges

• Confident supporting others with personal/intimate care where required

• Ability to keep calm in high pressure situations

• Commitment to our regular and ongoing professional development programme and training

• A positive, can-do attitude

• Driver’s licence or access to a lift (due to remote location of our site)

More 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.

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.

Salary: £26,458 FTE (£23,000 PA Pro rata - based on 36.75 hours per week term time only)

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:45am-4:45pm, Tuesday: 8:45am-5:30pm Friday: 8:45am-4:30pm

Annual Leave: 56 Days School Holidays + Bank Holidays