Psychology Graduate- SEND TA

Protocol Education Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A welcoming school in Gateshead is seeking a motivated Psychology SEN Teaching Assistant to support students with additional needs, including autism and ADHD. Ideal candidates will have a Psychology degree and an empathetic approach to child development. This role involves providing 1:1 support, developing emotional regulation skills, and collaborating with teachers on tailored learning strategies. It's a great opportunity for anyone looking to advance in educational psychology or similar fields. Comprehensive training and DBS checks provided.

Benefits

Regular professional development

Nurturing environment

Free online safeguarding training

Qualifications

• A Psychology degree or strong background in child development.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with children.
• A calm, empathetic, and reflective approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students.
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation and social skills.
• Support the class teacher with tailored strategies.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Reflective approach

Interest in child development

Education

Psychology degree or related field

Job description

A welcoming and inclusive school in Gateshead is looking for a motivated Psychology SEN Teaching Assistant to join their support team. This role is an excellent fit for Psychology graduates or individuals with a strong interest in child development, behaviour, and special educational needs.

If you're passionate about applying psychological understanding to real-world learning environments, this opportunity will give you hands‑on experience and professional growth.

The Role

As a Psychology SEN TA, you will work closely with students who require additional support due to needs such as:

• Autism (ASC)
• ADHD
• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Learning difficulties
• Communication and sensory needs

Your role will involve:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and social skills
• Supporting the class teacher with tailored strategies based on individual needs
• Observing behaviour patterns and helping adapt support plans
• Using positive behaviour approaches and de‑escalation techniques
• Building trusting relationships that encourage confidence and engagement

This role is ideal for anyone looking to progress into Educational Psychology, Counselling, CAMHS roles, or specialist SEND pathways.

What We’re Looking For

• A Psychology degree or strong background in child development
• A calm, empathetic and reflective approach
• An interest in behaviour, mental health and SEND
• Confidence working with children or young people
• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
• Willingness to learn new strategies and collaborate with staff
• A DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

Transferable experience from youth work, care, mentoring or community support is also highly valued.

What the School Offers

• A nurturing environment with a skilled and supportive staff team
• Opportunities to observe and contribute to behaviour and intervention plans
• Regular CPD in behaviour support, communication strategies and SEND
• A culture that prioritises wellbeing and celebrates small steps of progress

How to Apply

If you’re ready to bring your psychological insight into a school where your support truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV or get in touch for more information.

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.