Maya is a Talented, Inspiring Graduate with a Passion for SEND - Available for SEN TA / LSA Roles from September
Maya is one of the most impressive graduates we have met this year. A Psychology graduate from the University of Southampton with specialist experience gained at Great Ormond Street Hospital and extensive experience supporting children and young people, she is now seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant position from September. Passionate about inclusion and supporting pupils with additional needs, Maya combines academic knowledge with genuine warmth, patience and empathy.
Her long-term ambition is to become a Clinical or Educational Psychologist, making a school-based SEND role the perfect next step in her career as she continues to develop her understanding of how children learn, develop and thrive.
Education & Qualifications
- BSc Psychology with a Year in Industry (Predicted High 2:1): University of Southampton
- A Levels: English Literature (A*), Politics (A), Psychology (B)
- GCSEs: 9 GCSEs including English Literature and Language (9), Mathematics (6) and Sciences (7)
Experience Summary
Maya is a highly motivated Psychology graduate with a strong background supporting children and young people across educational, clinical and childcare settings. Her experience ranges from leading groups of young children in inclusive environments to working within a nationally recognised specialist psychology service. Through these roles, she has developed a deep understanding of neurodiversity, child development and the importance of building positive, trusting relationships that help pupils flourish both academically and personally.
- Gained specialist experience within The Tic Service at Great Ormond Street Hospital, working as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting children and young people with Tourette Syndrome, autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences.
- Built strong relationships with children across Early Years and activity camp settings, adapting activities and support strategies to meet individual needs and encourage participation, confidence and independence.
- Regularly collaborated with families, teachers, SENCOs, clinicians and external professionals, developing excellent communication skills and an understanding of multi-agency working.
- Facilitated psychoeducation groups and supported therapeutic interventions, helping young people develop coping strategies and engage positively with support programmes.
- Demonstrated excellent safeguarding awareness through roles working directly with children, responding appropriately to concerns and helping maintain safe, supportive environments.
- Produced accessible educational resources and communicated complex information clearly and sensitively to young people, families and professionals.
- Maintained accurate records, managed administrative responsibilities and demonstrated exceptional organisation within both healthcare and childcare settings.
- Volunteered with the SHOUT Crisis Helpline, providing empathetic support to individuals experiencing emotional distress and demonstrating resilience under pressure.
Key Strengths
- Strong understanding of SEND, particularly autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Naturally empathetic and patient, with an ability to build trust and positive relationships with children and young people.
- Excellent communication skills when working with pupils, families, teachers and external professionals.
- Skilled at adapting activities, support and communication styles to meet individual learning and developmental needs.
- Confident working collaboratively within multidisciplinary and school-based teams.
- Strong safeguarding awareness and commitment to promoting pupil wellbeing.
- Organised, reflective and proactive, with excellent administrative and record-keeping skills.
- Passionate about pursuing a career in Clinical or Educational Psychology and making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.