Learning Support Assistant (Autism Specialist)

Protocol Education Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational support agency in Sunderland is seeking a Learning Support Assistant with expertise in autism. This role involves working closely with autistic young people in a structured environment, focusing on communication and emotional wellbeing. Experience with autism or complex needs is essential, along with a patient approach. The position offers competitive daily pay and opportunities for training and support through the agency.

Benefits

Weekly PAYE pay

Local support and regular check-ins

FREE SEND CPD and Thrive training

Qualifications

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.
• Experience with PMLD or complex needs is preferred.
• Must have appropriate qualifications and training.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 or in small groups with pupils.
• Follow communication systems and support sensory regulation.
• Help pupils achieve independence.

Skills

Experience with autism

Patient approach

Willingness to learn new strategies

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (Autism Specialist) – Sunderland/Peterlee

Pay: £89 to £110 per day
Start: Immediate
Contract: Long-term

This role is perfect if you’re passionate about supporting autistic young people and enjoy working in a structured, nurturing environment.

You’ll be joining a specialist setting that puts communication, consistency and emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything. It’s hands‑on, meaningful and ideal for someone who loves helping pupils feel safe and understood.

Your day might include:

• Working 1:1 or in small groups


• Following communication systems like visuals and timetables


• Supporting sensory regulation and positive behaviour


• Helping pupils achieve small, steady steps toward independence

We’re looking for:

• Experience with autism, PMLD or complex needs


• A patient, predictable and warm approach


• Someone who’s happy to learn new strategies

Perks with Protocol Education:

• Weekly PAYE pay


• Local support and regular check-ins


• FREE SEND CPD and Thrive training

If you want a role that feels purposeful each day, this one’s waiting for 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.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.