Learning Support Assistant (Psychology Graduate)

Protocol Education Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

CPD training

Dedicated education consultant

Long-term opportunities

Refer-a-Friend bonus

Job summary

Protocol Education Ltd is seeking a Psychology graduate to join a friendly primary school in Gateshead as a Learning Support Assistant from September. You will work alongside teachers and the SENCO to support pupils with diverse learning needs and foster confidence and social development.

Ideal candidates are passionate about child development, patient, and able to build positive relationships. Enhanced DBS on Update Service is desirable; training and progression opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Psychology degree or closely related qualification.
• Interest in child development and wellbeing.
• Calm, patient and compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Support individual pupils and small groups throughout the school day.
• Work with children who have additional learning, behavioural and emotional needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication difficulties.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Help children develop their social communication and independence.
• Assist with classroom learning and targeted interventions.
• Observe children's behaviour and engagement in different situations.
• Provide feedback to teachers and support staff.
• Help pupils manage transitions, routines and changes.
• Build trusting and professional relationships with pupils.

Skills

Psychology degree

Child development

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's in Psychology

Job description

Want to put your Psychology degree into practice?

A friendly and inclusive primary school in Gateshead is seeking a Psychology graduate to join its team as a Learning Support Assistant from September.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to understand children beyond the classroom — how they learn, communicate, develop relationships, regulate emotions and respond to different environments and experiences.

The school places a strong emphasis on supporting the whole child. You'll work alongside teachers and the SENCO to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

About the Role

You will:

• Support individual pupils and small groups throughout the school day.
• Work with children who have additional learning, behavioural and emotional needs.
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication difficulties.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Help children develop their social communication and independence.
• Assist with classroom learning and targeted interventions.
• Observe children's behaviour and engagement in different situations.
• Provide appropriate feedback to teachers and support staff.
• Help pupils manage transitions, routines and changes.
• Build trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment.

A Fantastic Opportunity for Aspiring Psychologists

If you're considering a future career in psychology, this role can provide valuable insight into:

Development – See developmental theory in practice and understand individual differences between children.

Behaviour – Gain practical experience observing behaviour and using positive strategies to encourage engagement.

SEND & Neurodiversity – Develop your understanding of Autism, ADHD and other additional needs.

Emotional Wellbeing – Support children with confidence, emotional regulation and social development.

Communication – Understand how communication difficulties can affect learning and relationships.

Professional Practice – Work alongside teachers and SENCOs and understand how different professionals support children's development.

Could This Be Your Next Step Towards:

• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Mental Health Services
• Counselling
• Teaching
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Social Work
• SEND Specialisms

We're Looking For

• A Psychology degree or closely related qualification.
• A genuine passion for working with children.
• Interest in child development, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Calm, patient and compassionate approach.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships.
• Previous experience working with children is an advantage but not essential.

You will also need an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to obtain one.

What Protocol Education Can Offer

• Competitive weekly PAYE pay.
• Free CPD and specialist training.
• Dedicated education consultant.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.
• Access to local primary school opportunities.
• £50 Refer-a-Friend bonus.
• Ongoing professional and career support.

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.