Residential Childcare Worker

Protocol Education Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated SEND Support Assistants to transition from residential care to education. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people across Newcastle. With flexible placements in SEND schools, mainstream classrooms, and alternative provisions, you'll utilize your care experience to support students with diverse needs. Enjoy a rewarding career with a better work-life balance, ongoing training, and the chance to witness the growth of your students firsthand. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and helps you thrive in your new educational journey.

Benefits

Better work-life balance

Ongoing training & support

Competitive pay rates

Flexible placements

Qualifications

• Experience in residential care or similar support roles is essential.
• Qualifications in special education or related fields are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with special educational needs in various school settings.
• Build trusting relationships and provide emotional support to students.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Resilience

De-escalation techniques

Trauma-informed approaches

Education

Relevant qualifications in care or education

Job description

From Residential Care to the Classroom – A Rewarding New Chapter with Protocol Education

Are you a residential children’s care worker with a passion for supporting young people?

Now is the perfect time to bring your incredible experience into the classroom as a SEND Support Assistant, working in schools across Newcastle with Protocol Education.

Your background in care has already equipped you with the patience, resilience, and empathy needed to make a real impact – and now you can do just that in a structured, supportive school environment.

Why Make the Move from Care to Education?

Working in schools offers a refreshing change of pace and an opportunity to grow professionally while still making a deep, lasting difference in the lives of young people.

The Benefits of Working in Schools:

• Better Work-Life Balance – Enjoy school hours, weekends off, and regular holidays
• A Consistent, Structured Setting – Clear routines, established policies, and a team around you
• Ongoing Training & Support – Access to CPD courses and qualifications to boost your career
• Long-Term Relationships – Work with the same students over time and see real progress
• Daily Rewards – Be part of those “lightbulb” moments where learning just clicks

What Kind of Placements Are Available?

Protocol Education works with a variety of schools across Newcastle, offering flexible placements to suit your strengths, experience, and lifestyle.

Here’s what’s on offer:

1. Special Educational Needs (SEND) Schools

Support pupils with a range of needs such as autism, speech and language difficulties, physical disabilities, or complex behaviours.

• 1:1 or small group settings
• Full-time or part-time roles
• Ideal for those with therapeutic or behavioural care experience

2. Mainstream Primary & Secondary Schools

Provide additional support within a mainstream classroom, helping individual pupils thrive alongside their peers.

• Inclusive settings
• Build your education experience
• Supportive school teams

3. Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) & Alternative Provisions

Work with pupils who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion, often requiring emotional and behavioural support.

• Smaller, nurturing environments
• High-impact roles
• Perfect for care workers with experience in de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches

4. SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) Support Roles

Help students struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, or behavioural challenges by building trust and routine.

• One-on-one mentoring
• Long-term relationships
• Great for those with a therapeutic care background

Why Protocol Education?

We’re one of the UK’s leading education recruitment specialists, and our Newcastle team is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll help match your background in care with the perfect school role, provide ongoing training, and be your cheerleaders from day one.

Location: Across Newcastle
Hours: Full-time, part-time & flexible supply roles
Pay: Competitive daily rates, paid weekly

Ready to take your care experience into the classroom?
Join Protocol Education today and discover how rewarding a career in education can be.

Apply now and start your next chapter – where every day makes a difference.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.