Learning Support Tutor/Pre-Formal Pathway Support Assistant

Protocol Education; Chadwell St Mary; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational support service in Chadwell St Mary is seeking a Pre-Formal Pathway Support Assistant. This full-time role involves working closely with children and young adults with complex additional needs, helping them develop life skills through personalized support. Ideal candidates are patient, friendly, and eager to learn. Opportunities for professional development and training in specialist education and ABA practices are provided. An enhanced DBS check is required.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

FREE online training

Qualifications

• Experience in education or supporting individuals with complex needs is desired.
• Training in SEND, ABA, care, or manual handling is advantageous but not necessary.
• Willingness to learn and a passion for supporting others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating personalized ABA-based programs.
• Prepare resources and maintain daily records.
• Supervise students during breaks and lunch.

Skills

Friendly approach

Patience

Ability to build rapport

Job description

Seeking a Pre-Formal Pathway Support Assistant!

Do you want to make a real difference every day?

Do you love supporting children and young adults with complex needs?

Do you have experience in education, care, ABA, or SEND — or personal experience supporting someone with additional needs? If so, this could be the perfect role for you.

We are looking to recruit a dedicated Support Assistant to join our Pre-Formal Pathway team. You will work closely with children and young adults with a range of learning needs, helping them develop early communication and life skills through individualised programmes underpinned by the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). No prior ABA experience is required — just a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for supporting others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating and delivering personalised ABA-based programmes (1:1, 1:2 or small groups).
• Prepare resources, collect accurate daily data, and graph progress weekly.
• Maintain student records and archive data appropriately.
• Support classroom routines, activities and daily setup.
• Supervise students at break and lunch, promoting independence, social play and positive behaviour.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Communicate professionally with parents via daily home‑school books.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with students.
• Assist with physical and self-care needs, including toileting when required.
• Work across all key stages in the pre-formal department.
• Carry out additional duties as directed by senior staff.

Requirements

A friendly, patient approach and the ability to build rapport quickly are essential. Training or experience in SEND, ABA, care, manual handling, or first aid is admired but not required.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Join a supportive, knowledgeable team who share your passion.
• Gain valuable experience in specialist education and ABA-based practice.
• Opportunities for professional development within a caring school environment.

This is a full-time, long-term position. All staff are expected to uphold the school's values and expectations.

The governing body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, and satisfactory references.

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