Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant - SEND Pathway

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

Job summary

A reputed educational organization is seeking a Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant in Sunderland for a full-time position. The role involves supporting pupils with special educational needs, including autism and communication challenges. Ideal for psychology graduates, it offers hands-on experience in education and mental health settings. You will work closely with teachers and therapists to promote emotional regulation and build student confidence. Competitive pay and professional development training are provided.

Benefits

Weekly PAYE pay

Free SEND and Behaviour training

Guidance from a dedicated consultant

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology and interest in educational psychology or mental health.
• Ability to engage and support children with special educational needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist children with autism and communication needs.
• Implement strategies guided by therapists and teachers.
• Support emotional regulation through structured routines.

Skills

Supporting pupils with autism

Emotional regulation

Building confidence and engagement

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant – SEND Pathway

Location: Sunderland
Contract: Full time, long term
Start: ASAP
Pay: £89 to £110 per day (PAYE)

If you’re a Psychology graduate looking for hands‑on experience before a future in education, therapy or mental health, this role is perfect. You’ll join a supportive SEND setting where emotional understanding, communication and structure make all the difference.

What your role will include:

• Supporting pupils with autism, communication needs and sensory differences
• Helping with emotional regulation using calm, predictable routines
• Working 1:1 and in small groups to build confidence and engagement
• Implementing strategies guided by therapists, SENCOs and teacher teams
• Encouraging independence and celebrating every step forward

Ideal for grads with an interest in:

• Educational Psychology
• CAMHS
• Mental health support
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Behaviour or family support

What you’ll get:

• Weekly PAYE pay
• Free SEND and Behaviour training
• A consultant who guides your development
• Real classroom experience that strengthens your future applications

If you’re ready to turn your studies into meaningful, real‑life impact, we’d love to hear from you.

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.