Occupational Therapy Graduate - LSA - Newcastle

Protocol Education Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational support company in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an Individual Support Worker for young people with special educational needs (SEND). This role involves providing personalized support in a nurturing school environment, particularly for students with sensory processing differences and autism. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive atmosphere. The position offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development, starting immediately.

Benefits

Access to Educator CPD Academy

Free online safeguarding training

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Recently graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy or similar.
• Confident approach to behaviour management.
• Understanding of trauma-informed strategies.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND on a 2:1 ratio or deliver 1:1 interventions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to plan high-impact interventions.

Skills

Behaviour management

Understanding of trauma-informed strategies

Team player

Safeguarding principles

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy or similar

Job description

SEND Support – Ideal for Occupational Therapy Graduates

Location: Heaton, Newcastle
Salary: £90‑£95 per day (PAYE, no umbrella)
Contract: Full-time, Long-Term
Start Date: Immediate Start

Support that really makes a difference

If you’ve studied Occupational Therapy and want to use your skills to help young people thrive, we’ve got the perfect role for you.

A welcoming school in Heaton, Newcastle is looking for a compassionate, calm, and proactive individual to support pupils with SEND needs, particularly those with sensory processing differences, autism, and social communication challenges. You’ll be a key part of the team, helping children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. This primary school is known for its nurturing ethos, experienced SEND team, and commitment to professional development. You’ll be welcomed into a staff team that genuinely values support staff and celebrates every small win.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEND on a 2:1 ratio or delivering 1:1 interventions
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Creating a safe, welcoming, and well‑organised learning environment
• Collaborating with teaching staff to plan and deliver high‑impact interventions
• Maintaining strong communication with families, schools, and external agencies
• Being a supportive and collaborative team player

Requirements

• You have recently graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy or similar
• A confident approach to behaviour management
• An understanding of trauma‑informed strategies and a commitment to building connections before setting corrections
• A natural team player who can promote a supportive and inclusive environment for all
• Demonstrated understanding and prioritisation of safeguarding principles

Why Work with Us?

• We are a supportive network and you can approach us with any questions, concerns, or worries in a judgement‑free environment
• Joining our team will give you free instant access to our Educator CPD Academy, providing opportunities to take free accredited online courses to advance your career
• We care about your well‑being and will regularly check in to ensure you have everything you need to be happy in your workplace

Safeguarding

This role involves working directly with children who may display challenging behaviour. An enhanced DBS check and references are required. 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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re passionate about supporting children with SEND or SEMH and ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and make a real impact in the lives of young people!

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.