Sociology Graduate- SEN Support Role

Protocol Education Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational agency is looking for a calm and thoughtful SEN Support Assistant in Gateshead. Ideal for Sociology graduates, this role offers the chance to support pupils with autism, ADHD, and other needs. Responsibilities include building relationships, assisting learning, and collaborating with teachers. With weekly pay and free training, it's an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience in social work and education. Experience is valued but not essential; the right mindset is key.

Benefits

Weekly PAYE pay

Free CPD training

Supportive consultant

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Understanding of social dynamics and behavior.
• Genuine interest in supporting young people's development.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with additional needs in a calm manner.
• Building trusting relationships with students.
• Assisting in regulating emotions and navigating social situations.
• Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Patience

Teamwork

Education

Sociology degree

Job description

If you’re a Sociology graduate who loves understanding people, behaviour and social dynamics, this role gives you the chance to put your studies into real, meaningful practice.

We’re supporting a fantastic SEN school in the Gateshead area that’s looking for a calm, thoughtful and curious graduate to join their team as an SEN Support Assistant. You’ll be helping pupils with additional needs feel understood, settled and confident at school, while gaining hands‑on experience that links perfectly with sociology, social policy, education, youth work or mental health.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and communication differences
• Working 1:1 or in small groups to help them access learning at a pace that works for them
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils who benefit from steady adults
• Helping students regulate their emotions, navigate social situations and develop independence
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and therapists to keep support consistent
• Using your knowledge of society, identity and behaviour to understand pupils’ needs

Why this role suits Sociology graduates

• You’ll see the theories you studied come to life in real interactions
• It offers brilliant experience for future careers in teaching, youth justice, therapy, social work or community support
• You’ll develop communication, safeguarding and behaviour skills that employers love
• You get to make a real difference in a setting where relationships matter

What the school is looking for

• A patient, reflective person with a genuine interest in young people
• Someone who communicates clearly and builds rapport quickly
• A calm approach when pupils are finding things difficult
• Experience in youth work, mentoring, tutoring or care is helpful but not essential
• A willingness to learn and work as part of a supportive SEN team

Experience isn’t the priority here. The right mindset is.

Why join Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay with no hidden deductions
• Free CPD, including autism, SEMH, behaviour support and safeguarding
• A supportive consultant who’ll help you find your feet
• Long‑term roles with real development opportunities
• Simple, friendly registration process

If this sounds like the role for you please send across your CV!

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.