Learning Support Assistant

Ready to be the calm in the chaos and the champion behind the scenes in a busy secondary school?

We’re looking for a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join welcoming, well-led secondary schools across Sunderland. If you love seeing a Year 8 student have that “lightbulb moment” in maths or helping a shy Year 10 pupil find their confidence, this could be your next role.

In this position, you’ll support students across KS3 and KS4, working closely with teachers to keep learning on track and behaviour positive. Every day is different, and that variety is what makes this role so rewarding.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting students 1:1 and in small groups across a variety of subjects

• Helping pupils with SEND access the curriculum confidently

• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining strong classroom routines

• Collaborating with teachers to adapt learning materials

• Being a steady, supportive presence that students can rely on

Schools in Sunderland are seeking staff who are proactive, patient, and ready to step in wherever needed. You don’t need to be an expert in every subject, but you do need empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping young people thrive.

You’d be a great fit if you:

• Have experience working with young people in schools or similar settings

• Understand the pace and energy of secondary education

• Can build strong, respectful relationships with teenagers

• Stay calm, confident, and encouraging under pressure

• Are committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing

Experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH, ADHD, or autism is highly valued. Backgrounds in youth work, coaching, mentoring, or care are also highly transferable.

Boost your skills with FREE CPD

Our CPD Academy provides practical, classroom-ready training, from behaviour strategies to understanding EHCPs and SEND legislation, helping you make a meaningful impact from day one.

Why work with Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay — no umbrella companies

• FREE access to our CPD Academy

• Personalised support from a dedicated consultant

• Opportunities across mainstream, SEND, and alternative settings

• Streamlined registration with local placements

• Referral scheme to earn rewards for recommending friends

Learning Support Assistants are the backbone of every successful secondary school. In Sunderland, you’ll help students build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures.

If you’re ready to step into a role where your support truly matters, apply today and let’s find the school where you’ll feel valued and part of the team from day one.

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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