Send Classroom Support Assistant (Occupational Therapy Graduate) - Reception

Protocol Education; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free CPD Academy access

Dedicated consultant

Opportunities in mainstream, SEND, and

Streamlined registration

Referral rewards

Thrive training available

Job summary

Protocol Education is seeking a full-time SEND Support Assistant to work in a reception class at a primary school in Walker (NE6). This role suits an Occupational Therapy graduate looking to gain hands-on experience in paediatric SEND provision.

You will support children with autism, sensory processing and communication needs, deliver structured interventions, and assist with EHCP targets while helping create a calm, inclusive classroom environment. Training and safeguarding are provided.

Qualifications

• OT graduate with relevant paediatric SEND exposure.
• Ambition to pursue further qualifications in a clinical field.
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training and DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Support children with autism, sensory processing needs, and communication difficulties.
• Deliver structured interventions throughout the school day.
• Encourage participation during lessons and social activities.
• Support emotional regulation and engagement in class.
• Assist with the implementation of EHCP targets.
• Help create a calm and inclusive classroom environment.

Skills

Autism support

Sensory processing

Communication support

Emotional regulation

Structured interventions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Are you an Occupational Therapy graduate looking to gain hands-on experience before pursuing further qualifications or a clinical career?

A friendly and nurturing primary school in Walker (NE6) is seeking a full-time SEND Support Assistant to work within a reception class that supports a number of children with complex additional needs. This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing practical skills within an educational setting.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting children with Autism, sensory processing needs, and communication difficulties
• Delivering structured interventions throughout the school day
• Encouraging participation during lessons and social activities
• Supporting emotional regulation and engagement
• Assisting with the implementation of EHCP targets
• Helping create a calm and inclusive classroom environment

This role could be perfect if you are:

• An Occupational Therapy graduate
• Interested in paediatric occupational therapy or SEND provision
• Resilient, patient, and empathetic
• Organised and able to follow support plans
• Looking to gain meaningful experience before further study

About the school

Located in the heart of Walker, this community-focused primary school prides itself on creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported. The school promotes a holistic approach to education, combining academic achievement with social, emotional, and physical development. Staff are highly supportive, and ongoing professional development is actively encouraged.

What you'll gain

This role offers excellent exposure to SEND practices, therapeutic approaches, and multidisciplinary working. You'll develop practical skills highly valued in Occupational Therapy, Educational Psychology, and teaching careers.

Why work with Protocol Education?

• FREE access to our online CPD Academy
• Personalised support from a dedicated consultant
• Opportunities in mainstream, SEND, and alternative settings
• Streamlined registration and local bookings
• Referral scheme, earn rewards for referring friends

Bonus tip for aspiring SEN professionals: Are you Thrive trained? If not, ask us about our FREE Thrive training. It's a fantastic qualification that helps you better understand children's emotional development and can make your CV even more appealing to schools.

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.