Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education Ltd; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent education agency in Peterlee is seeking psychology graduates for the SEND Teaching Assistant role, providing valuable hands-on experience with children needing special educational support. Applicants will assist with educational strategies to foster emotional regulation and engagement, working closely with educational professionals. This temporary position could lead to permanent opportunities, reflecting a commitment to developing future careers in educational psychology and related fields.

Benefits

Free CPD training

Competitive daily pay

Dedicated consultant support

Guaranteed work schemes

Qualifications

• Psychology graduate or related field required.
• Passionate about working with children with additional needs.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support children with diverse SEND needs in a classroom.
• Assist with communication strategies and personalized learning.
• Create a safe and nurturing environment for children.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Resilience

Initiative

Education

Psychology degree or related field (OT, education)

Job description

Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant | Specialist School Support Role (Peterlee)

Ideal for Psychology Graduates, Occupational Therapy Graduates, and those pursuing careers in Educational Psychology

Are you a psychology graduate looking for hands‑on experience working with children who have a range of special educational needs? Want a role that directly supports your long‑term goals in educational psychology, child development or therapy? A warm, inclusive specialist SEND school in the Peterlee area is looking for compassionate and proactive graduates to join their team as SEND Teaching Assistants.

This is an exceptional opportunity for psychology graduates to gain meaningful, practical experience supporting pupils with a broad variety of needs, including:

• Autism (ASC)
• ADHD
• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Learning difficulties
• Sensory processing needs
• Communication and interaction needs
• Physical and complex medical needs

Every day brings new learning, new challenges and the chance to make a genuine difference in a child’s life.

Located within a friendly community in Peterlee, the school provides a highly supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to build confidence, independence and social skills. Staff are welcoming, well‑trained, and committed to helping every child thrive. The school is easily accessible, with convenient transport links and onsite parking.

What you will be doing:

• Working 1:1 or with small groups of children with diverse SEND needs
• Supporting pupils across a range of year groups, depending on their individual needs
• Helping children regulate emotions, build confidence and remain engaged in learning
• Assisting with communication strategies, sensory regulation, and personalised learning activities
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and behaviour specialists
• Supporting personal development, social skills and fine/gross motor skills
• Creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels included and valued

Core hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm

About you:

• A psychology graduate or graduate in a related field (OT, SEND, education, child development)
• Passionate about working with children with additional needs
• Patient, resilient and empathetic, with a warm and encouraging approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships
• Willing to learn, take initiative and adapt your approach to different pupils
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Why Psychology Graduates Love Working With Protocol Education:

• Excellent placements that support career routes into educational psychology, clinical psychology, SEN teaching, therapy and mental health roles
• Free CPD including behaviour training, autism awareness, de‑escalation strategies and safeguarding
• Guaranteed work schemes and competitive daily pay
• Dedicated consultant who understands the goals of psychology graduates
• Opportunities across mainstream and specialist SEND environments
• A well‑respected agency focused on your long‑term development

Ready to gain the classroom experience psychology graduates need? Apply today and start making a real difference in the lives of children with SEND.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake thorough checks in line with DfE statutory guidance, including an online search for shortlisted candidates. Free safeguarding and Prevent Duty training provided for all workers.

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.

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