Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND School – Gateshead (Full-Time)

Put your Psychology degree into practice and make a genuine difference every day.

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain meaningful experience before pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, CAMHS, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Teaching?

Protocol Education is recruiting a Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming specialist SEND school in Gateshead. This full-time opportunity offers invaluable hands-on experience supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs while developing practical skills alongside experienced teachers, therapists and specialist support staff.

Every day brings new challenges, rewarding moments and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of pupils who require additional support to achieve their potential.

About the School

This inclusive specialist SEND school provides education for pupils with a variety of complex additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and sensory processing differences.

The school prides itself on creating a nurturing, structured and supportive learning environment where every pupil is encouraged to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Staff work collaboratively to deliver personalised learning and therapeutic support, ensuring each child receives the guidance they need to succeed.

Located in Gateshead, the school is easily accessible by both public transport and car, with on-site parking available.

Your Role

Working alongside experienced teachers, SEND professionals and therapists, you will:

• Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and within small group activities.
• Build positive relationships that encourage confidence, engagement and independence.
• Help pupils regulate their emotions using consistent routines and positive behaviour strategies.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual learning needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Support communication, social interaction and emotional development throughout the school day.
• Assist with sensory activities and interventions designed to improve focus and wellbeing.
• Encourage participation in classroom learning, outdoor education and life skills activities.
• Record observations and contribute to pupil progress alongside the wider staff team.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience working within specialist education while developing skills highly valued across psychology, education and healthcare professions.

Who We're Looking For

This role would suit someone who is:

• A Psychology graduate (or studying a related subject).
• Passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND.
• Considering a future career in psychology, therapy, education or mental health services.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient.
• A confident communicator with a positive attitude.
• Keen to learn from experienced SEND professionals.
• Able to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

Previous SEND experience is beneficial but not essential. We welcome graduates with transferable experience from voluntary work, placements, mentoring, youth work, coaching or care settings.

Why Join Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella companies.
• Free access to our CPD Academy, including SEND, safeguarding and behaviour management training.
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to progress into long-term, permanent and specialist SEND roles.
• Valuable experience for postgraduate study and careers in psychology, education and healthcare.
• Refer a friend bonus scheme.

Safeguarding

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and all safer recruitment procedures in line with Department for Education guidance.

Ready to Start Your Career?

If you're ready to turn your Psychology degree into practical experience while making a lasting difference to young people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to begin your SEND career with Protocol Education in Gateshead.

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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