1:1 SEND Support Assistant (Psychology Graduates)

Are you patient, calm and resilient? Do you have a psychology background or experience working with people with autism? We’re working with a primary school near Heaton, Newcastle, who is looking for a SEND Support Assistant to work 1:1 with a Year 1 pupil with Autism. This is a long-term, full-time role starting 20th April, and it’s ideal for someone who genuinely wants to make a difference where it really counts. The Role You’ll be supporting a pupil with Autism who can become dysregulated quickly, particularly during transitions, busy moments, or changes in routine. At times, this may present as challenging behaviour, so the school are looking for someone who can respond calmly, confidently, and consistently. Working 1:1 throughout the school day, supporting the pupil with learning, routines, and emotional regulationHelping the child manage sensory overload and anxiety using calming strategies and structured supportSupporting with transitions (e.g. lining up, moving between lessons, break times) which can often be the most challenging parts of the dayUsing clear boundaries, predictable routines, and de-escalation strategies to help prevent behaviours from escalatingHelping the pupil build confidence, communication skills, and independence over timeSupporting the class teacher and wider classroom when needed, like a general TA, while keeping your main focus on the pupil This is not a role where you’ll be sitting quietly at the back of the classroom. You’ll be hands-on, proactive, and often right in the thick of it, supporting the pupil through difficult moments and helping them get back on track. About the School This is a friendly, inclusive mainstream primary school in Newcastle with: Excellent transport linksStaff car parking availableStrong SEN and pastoral support in placeA consistent, structured approach to behaviour and routines The school has a strong focus on inclusion and making sure pupils with additional needs feel safe, supported, and understood. Staff work closely as a team and you won’t be left to figure things out alone. The Ideal Candidate The school are ideally looking for someone with: A psychology background OR experience supporting children/adults with AutismExperience OR an interest in behaviour support, mentoring, youth work, care work, or SEN settingsA calm, patient approach and the ability to stay professional when behaviour becomes challengingConfidence using strategies to support emotional regulation and de-escalationReliability and commitment, as consistency is key for the pupil Psychology graduates or candidates with a background in behaviour support, mentoring, care, or youth work are strongly encouraged to apply. What Protocol Education Offer Weekly pay through PAYEFree access to CPD and SEND trainingOngoing support from a dedicated consultantOpportunity to secure a long-term placement in a supportive school Apply today to be considered for this full-time role, starting 20th April. 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.