Sociology graduate - SEN Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education Ltd; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A specialist SEND school in Durham is seeking a compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional needs. This role is ideal for Sociology graduates looking for hands-on experience in education. Responsibilities include providing tailored support, assisting with behavioral plans, and collaborating with teaching staff. The school offers a supportive environment and mentorship for new graduates, with opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Training in communication and behavior support

Mentorship from experienced staff

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Sociology degree or relevant social science degree is essential.
• Interest in SEN and child development is crucial.
• Experience with children or vulnerable adults is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support based on individual learning plans.
• Help pupils develop social skills, confidence, and independence.
• Support behavior plans using de-escalation and positive reinforcement.
• Assist with sensory activities and structured routines.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and pastoral teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Education

Sociology degree or relevant social science

Job description

Are you a Sociology graduate eager to put your knowledge of behaviour, social development and human interaction into meaningful practice?

A specialist SEND school in Durham is seeking a compassionate, curious and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with a range of additional needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a graduate who wants hands‑on experience in education, psychology, social care or specialist behaviour support.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be working closely with pupils who may have:

• Autism (ASC)
• Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties
• Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs
• Communication needs
• Sensory processing differences

You’ll support students through tailored learning, emotional regulation and positive relationship‑building, guided by the class teacher and SEN specialists.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support based on individual learning plans
• Helping pupils develop social skills, confidence and independence
• Supporting behaviour plans using de‑escalation and positive reinforcement
• Assisting with sensory activities, structured routines and therapeutic interventions
• Collaborating with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams
• Maintaining a calm, safe and supportive learning environment
• Recording observations and contributing to progress notes when required

What We’re Looking For

• A Sociology degree (or another relevant social science)
• A genuine interest in SEN and child development
• Patience, empathy and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a reflective mindset
• Willingness to learn specialist strategies and training
• Experience with children or vulnerable adults (desirable, but transferable experience also valued)
• A DBS on the update service or willingness to apply

Graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, youth work or social care will find this role especially valuable.

What the School Offers

• A highly supportive specialist environment
• Training in communication approaches, behaviour support and SEND strategies
• Experienced staff who mentor new graduates
• A nurturing setting where every small step of progress is celebrated
• Real career progression opportunities within specialist education

How to Apply

If you’re a Sociology graduate who wants to make a measurable difference to young people’s lives, 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.