Dayana is a Fantastic Cambridge Graduate with a Passion for Supporting Children with SEND, Looking for a SEN TA Role Now
Dayana is an impressive University of Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences graduate who is passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND. She is seeking a Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant role within either a primary or secondary school, where she can use her understanding of child development, neurodivergence and mental health to make a meaningful difference.
Particularly interested in supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and other neurodevelopmental differences, Dayana hopes to become a calm, patient and trusted presence for pupils — helping them feel understood, included and increasingly confident in their learning and development.
Education & Qualifications
- BA (Hons) Psychological and Behavioural Sciences - Upper Second Class: University of Cambridge
- A Levels: Psychology (A*), Sociology (A*), Mathematics (A) – Brampton Manor Academy
- GCSEs: 12 including English Literature (9), Spanish (9), French (9), Mathematics (8) and English Language (8) – Brampton Manor Academy
Experience Summary
Dayana combines an outstanding academic background with a genuine commitment to supporting young people. Her Cambridge degree included a particular focus on developmental psychology, alongside interests in developmental psychopathology, adolescent mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Her mentoring and research experience has further strengthened her ability to listen carefully, build rapport, adapt her communication and understand how individual circumstances can influence behaviour, wellbeing and engagement.
- Mentors disadvantaged sixth-form students through Zero Gravity and Oxbridge Launchpad, supporting their academic development and helping them navigate the university application process with confidence.
- Experienced in building positive one-to-one relationships with young people, adapting explanations and communication to make challenging information accessible, engaging and easier to understand.
- Developed strong academic knowledge of developmental psychology, mental health and developmental psychopathology at Cambridge, providing a valuable foundation for understanding the individual needs and development of children and adolescents.
- Conducted extensive research into neurodivergence across education, social work, healthcare and criminal justice settings during a Nuffield Research
- Placement, reviewing more than 30 academic papers and interviewing frontline practitioners.
- Brings a thoughtful understanding of neurodevelopmental differences and is particularly motivated to support pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and other additional needs.
- Experienced in qualitative research and careful analysis of individual perspectives, including work within the Cambridge University Health and Wellbeing Research Group — skills that complement the observant, reflective and person-centred approach required in SEND support.
- Keen to work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to support pupils academically, socially and emotionally, while developing practical experience within an inclusive school environment.
Key Strengths
- Cambridge Psychology graduate with a strong academic understanding of child and adolescent development
- Genuine passion for SEND and neurodiversity
- Particular interest in autism, ADHD, SEMH and neurodevelopmental conditions
- Calm, patient and empathetic approach to supporting young people
- Strong one-to-one mentoring and relationship-building skills
- Able to adapt communication and explain challenging concepts accessibly
- Highly reflective, observant and sensitive to individual needs
- Strong understanding of adolescent mental health and developmental psychology
- Committed to helping pupils feel understood, included and confident
- Motivated to contribute within either primary or secondary SEND provision