Behaviour & Autism Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE payments

Free CPD and online training

Autism Awareness and SEND training

Dedicated education consultant

Long-term and permanent opportunities

Refer a Friend bonus

Job summary

Protocol Education are seeking a Behaviour & Autism Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND setting in Sunderland. The role focuses on understanding behaviour and supporting pupils with Autism to access classroom learning.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups, build trusting relationships and respond to triggers. Experience with Autism or SEMH is highly desirable, and a driving licence is a bonus.

Qualifications

• This role suits calm, patient and consistent individuals who can support pupils with Autism.
• Empathetic and confident approach helps pupils with communication and regulation.
• Experience with Autism, SEMH or related support is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Autism and additional needs.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Build positive relationships and identify triggers.
• Support emotional regulation and communication.
• Use positive behaviour strategies and help access learning.
• Assist with transitions and daily routines.
• Collaborate with teachers and SEND team.

Skills

Calm

Patient

Consistent

Empathetic

Confident

Resilient

Behaviour support

Autism awareness

Job description

Behaviour & Autism Teaching Assistant | Sunderland

Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 8:30am–4:30pm
Pay: £98–£120 per day, dependent on experience

Can you support behaviour while seeing the person behind it?

Protocol Education are looking for a Behaviour & Autism Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND setting in Sunderland.

This role would suit someone who has experience working with young people with Autism and who is confident supporting pupils who may experience distressed behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties or barriers to communication.

The focus isn't simply on managing behaviour — it's about understanding the reasons behind it and helping pupils develop strategies that allow them to feel more successful at school.

Your Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Autism and additional needs.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Build positive and trusting relationships.
• Identify and respond appropriately to potential triggers.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation.
• Encourage appropriate communication.
• Use positive and proactive behaviour strategies.
• Help pupils access classroom learning.
• Support transitions and changes to routine.
• Maintain clear and consistent expectations.
• Encourage independence and self-confidence.
• Support pupils during less structured parts of the day.
• Work closely with teachers and the wider SEND team.
• Contribute to a safe, calm and inclusive classroom environment.

Who We're Looking For

This role would suit someone who is:

Calm – able to remain composed when situations become challenging.

Patient – understands that progress takes time.

Consistent – provides clear boundaries and predictable support.

Empathetic – looks beyond behaviour and considers the individual.

Confident – able to communicate effectively with pupils and colleagues.

Resilient – able to deal with challenging days while maintaining a positive approach.

Experience in Autism, SEMH, behaviour support, specialist education, residential care, youth work or mentoring would be highly desirable.

A Driving Licence Is a Bonus

Drivers with access to their own vehicle are particularly welcome, although this isn't essential.

Why Protocol Education?

• £98–£120 per day.
• Weekly PAYE payments.
• FREE CPD and online training.
• Autism Awareness and SEND training.
• Dedicated education consultant.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities.
• Ongoing support.
• £50 Refer a Friend bonus.

If you're someone who can combine compassion with consistency and wants to make a genuine difference to young people with SEND, we'd love to hear from you.

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.