Psychology Graduate - Primary SEMH Support

Psychology graduate? Ready to step into a primary school and make a real difference?

If you’re curious about child development, behaviour, or mental health, and you’re thinking about a future in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling or Teaching, this is the kind of experience that sets you apart.

We’re working with welcoming primary schools across Southwark looking for Psychology Graduates to support children with SEMH, Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

This is hands-on experience in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 settings. Not observing from the back of the room. Not making photocopies. Real support. Real impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting primary-aged pupils with SEMH needs on a 1:1 basis

• Helping children regulate emotions and build confidence

• Supporting positive behaviour strategies in the classroom

• Assisting teachers with adapted learning activities

• Working closely with SENCOs and pastoral teams

Some children may struggle with anxiety, attachment needs, or behavioural challenges. Your role is to be the calm, consistent adult who helps them feel safe and understood.

Why primary?

Primary is where foundations are built. You’ll see progress in real time. Small wins feel big. A child who couldn’t sit for five minutes managing a full lesson. A pupil who refused to speak now asking for help.

If you’re passionate about early intervention and shaping futures from the start, this is powerful experience.

We’re looking for graduates who:

• Hold a degree in Psychology or a related subject

• Are genuinely interested in child mental health and development

• Have experience with children or young people, tutoring, mentoring, youth work, coaching, care work

• Are patient, resilient and emotionally aware

• Can commit full-time during term time

This role is ideal if you’re considering Educational Psychology or further postgraduate study and need meaningful, school-based experience.

What you’ll get with Protocol Education

• Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies

• FREE access to our online CPD Academy

• Ongoing SEND and behaviour training

• A dedicated consultant who understands primary SEMH settings

• Long-term placements to build strong references

• Referral scheme, earn rewards for referring friends

We know SEMH roles can feel daunting at first. Schools we work with provide structure, guidance and strong pastoral teams. You won’t be left figuring it out alone.

The bigger picture

For some children in Southwark primary schools, you could be the person who changes how they experience school. The steady voice. The safe space. The one who spots progress others might miss.

And for you? It’s experience that shapes your career from day one.

If you’re ready to turn your Psychology degree into something practical and purposeful, let’s talk.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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