Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism & Communication Provision

Location: South Shields

Not every child learns the same way. Some need structure, repetition and someone who truly understands them.

A specialist provision in South Shields is seeking a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 6–12 with autism spectrum conditions and associated communication needs.

This is a highly structured, low-arousal setting where consistency creates confidence.

The Type of Person They’re Looking For

They are looking for someone steady, not shouty. Calm, not reactive.

You should be:

• Emotionally regulated and patient
• Comfortable supporting children with limited verbal communication
• Confident using visual timetables and structured routines
• Able to manage small group learning
• Consistent with boundaries

Children in this setting thrive when adults are predictable and reliable.

The Pupils

• Ages 6–12
• All have EHCPs
• Diagnoses include ASD and communication disorders
• Reading ages vary significantly
• Some pupils experience sensory processing difficulties

Small class sizes allow focused support.

Daily Expectations & Routine

Morning Arrival

Structured greeting routine and timetable review. Some pupils may require quiet regulation before starting lessons.

In-Class Support

You will:

• Work 1:1 or in small groups
• Reinforce phonics and literacy
• Support maths through concrete resources
• Use visual prompts and communication aids
• Provide live feedback during written tasks

You are expected to actively circulate and engage, not observe from the back.

Lunch & Social Time

Lunch is supervised and structured. Staff sit with pupils and model social communication.

End of Day

Pupils leave at 2:30pm. Staff remain until 4:00pm for debriefs, behaviour logs and planning.

Behaviour & Boundaries

• Dysregulation managed through de-escalation
• Low-level swearing redirected
• Verbal abuse not tolerated
• Physical incidents are rare

Team Teach training may be offered long term.

Experience & Pay

SEN experience desirable but not essential.

Strong candidates may be appointed on a trainee TA scale with full mentoring.

If this sounds like the right environment for you, apply today or get in touch for more information.

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.

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