Occupational Therapy Graduate - Hands-On SEND Experience in Schools

You’ve spent years learning how to support people — now you want to actually do it.

If you’re finishing your Occupational Therapy degree or have recently graduated, and you’re wondering how to gain real, meaningful experience… this could be the perfect next step.

We’re working with schools across Tyne and Wear who are looking for Occupational Therapy students (final year) and graduates to step into SEND support roles from May 2026 onwards.

What your role could look like:

Forget clinical rooms — this is where your skills meet real life.

You might be:

• Supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing needs
• Helping children regulate emotions during challenging moments
• Encouraging independence through structured support
• Supporting fine and gross motor development in everyday activities
• Working closely with teachers to adapt learning for individual needs

Why your OT background is so valuable:

• You understand the why behind behaviour
• You bring practical, realistic strategies
• You stay calm under pressure
• You focus on long-term development, not just short-term fixes

What you’ll gain:

• Real-world SEND experience
• Confidence working with children and young people
• A strong foundation for future OT roles
• Daily job satisfaction from seeing real progress

Apply now

If you’re ready to turn your knowledge into action, apply today.

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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