Sports-Focused SEND Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant SEND school in Sunderland seeks a Sports-Focused SEND Teaching Assistant to inspire pupils with autism, ADHD, or SEMH needs through physical activities. This full-time role involves supporting students during PE lessons and promoting emotional wellbeing through sport. Ideal candidates will be energetic, patient, and passionate about inclusive education.

Benefits

FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEND or behavioural needs.
• Background in coaching, youth work, or sports leadership is a bonus.
• Confident managing challenging behaviour positively.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils through structured physical activities and games.
• Assisting with PE lessons, outdoor learning, and sensory circuits.
• Encouraging teamwork, resilience, and healthy routines.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Teamwork

Education

Relevant qualifications for working with SEND

Job description

Job Title: Sports-Focused SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: Sunderland
Start Date: ASAP / September 2025
Daily Rate: £89 – £108
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Use your energy and enthusiasm for sport to inspire SEND pupils.

A vibrant SEND school in Sunderland is looking for an active and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant with a passion for sport and physical activity. This role is ideal for someone who can channel physical energy into positive engagement with pupils who may have autism, ADHD or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting pupils through structured physical activities, games and movement breaks

• Using sport to build rapport, boost confidence and improve emotional wellbeing

• Assisting with PE lessons, outdoor learning and sensory circuits

• Providing classroom support when not in physical activity sessions

• Encouraging teamwork, resilience and healthy routines

About you:

• Energetic, patient and a strong communicator

• Experience working with young people with SEND or behavioural needs

• Background in coaching, youth work, or sports leadership is a bonus

• Confident managing challenging behaviour positively

• Passionate about inclusive education and helping all children thrive

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.