Psychology Graduate - SEND Support Assistant

Just finished your Psychology degree and want experience that actually means something?

We’re working with a welcoming Primary SEN school in Gateshead looking for a Psychology Graduate to join their team as a SEND Support Assistant. This is a brilliant opportunity if you’re considering a future in educational psychology, CAMHS, mental health, SEN teaching, or pastoral support.

You’ll be supporting pupils who need additional help to thrive in school—whether that’s with learning, behaviour, confidence, or emotional regulation.

The role

You’ll be working closely with primary-aged pupils with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism (ASC)
• ADHD
• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
• Anxiety and emotional regulation challenges
• Speech & language needs
• Behaviour and engagement barriers

Support may be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, depending on pupil needs.

Your day-to-day will include

• Supporting pupils to access learning in a structured, supportive classroom environment
• Helping children manage emotions and behaviour in a calm, consistent way
• Building trust, routines, and confidence
• Working closely with teachers and the SENCO to implement tailored support strategies
• Encouraging independence, resilience, and social development
• Being a reliable, reassuring presence throughout the school day

What we’re looking for

• A degree in Psychology (or a closely related subject)
• A genuine interest in supporting children with SEND
• A calm, patient, and resilient approach
• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
• Experience working with children is beneficial (school, youth work, care, tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering), but not essential

About the school

This Primary SEN school in Gateshead provides a supportive and nurturing environment for pupils with a range of additional needs. The team are collaborative, experienced, and genuinely committed to helping every child succeed in a way that works for them.

They value consistency, strong relationships, and a calm approach—creating a space where both pupils and staff feel supported.

Why this role stands out

• Gain hands-on experience in a specialist SEN setting
• Work closely with experienced staff and develop practical SEND strategies
• Ideal preparation for careers in educational psychology, therapy, or teaching
• Be part of a team that genuinely values support staff

What Protocol Education offers

• Weekly PAYE pay (no umbrella company hassle)
• FREE access to our CPD Academy
• A dedicated consultant who actually stays in touch
• Opportunities across mainstream, SEND, and alternative provisions
• A smooth registration process with quick start options

A quick one (because schools often ask):

Are you Thrive trained?

If not, we can get you signed up for Protocol Education’s FREE Thrive training—a great addition when working with SEMH and emotionally driven behaviour.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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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