Autism Teaching Assistant | Specialist SEND Setting | Sunderland

Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 8:30am–3:30pm / 4:30pm
Pay: £98–£120 per day, dependent on experience

Do you have a passion for supporting children and young people with Autism?

Protocol Education are currently recruiting for an enthusiastic and compassionate Autism Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND setting in Sunderland.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands that every pupil with Autism is an individual and who is passionate about creating an environment where pupils feel safe, understood, included and able to succeed.

You will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to help pupils access their learning, develop communication skills, manage emotions and become increasingly independent.

The Role

As an Autism Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with Autism.
• Help pupils access classroom learning and the wider curriculum.
• Use clear, consistent and appropriate communication strategies.
• Support pupils with transitions throughout the school day.
• Help pupils develop independence and confidence.
• Support emotional regulation and sensory needs.
• Encourage positive social interaction with peers.
• Use visual timetables, prompts and other personalised strategies where appropriate.
• Reinforce classroom routines and expectations.
• Support pupils during lessons, break times and lunchtimes.
• Help pupils develop functional communication and life skills.
• Observe and respond to individual triggers and behaviours.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals.
• Contribute to creating a calm, structured and inclusive environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is:

• Patient, calm and empathetic.
• Confident building relationships with pupils.
• Resilient and consistent.
• Passionate about Autism and SEND.
• Able to adapt their communication style.
• Comfortable supporting pupils who may display distressed behaviour.
• A strong team player.
• Committed to promoting independence.

Previous experience working with Autism/ASC, complex needs, communication needs, sensory needs or specialist education would be highly desirable.

Experience doesn't have to come from a school. Candidates from care, residential support, youth work, psychology, sports coaching or support work are also encouraged to apply.

Why Protocol Education?

• £98–£120 per day.
• Weekly PAYE payments.
• FREE CPD and online training.
• Autism Awareness and SEND training.
• Dedicated SEND consultant.
• Long-term and permanent opportunities.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.
• £50 Refer a Friend bonus.

If you're passionate about helping young people with Autism reach their potential, 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.

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