Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students aged 11-18 with social, emotional, and behavioural challenges in special schools.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives across Newcastle.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, free Thrive training, and a supportive consultant to guide you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by being a trusted adult for young people who need it most.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work, coaching, or personal experience with SEND is preferred.
- Other info: Temporary position with potential for permanence; must have right to work in the UK.
Make a Difference Every Day: SEND & PRU Support Roles
Are you a recent graduate or someone with skills that thrive outside the classroom—youth work, the military, sports coaching, care? Fancy putting those talents to work where they really count? We’re on the lookout for calm, confident, and caring individuals to support pupils aged 11–18 in Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) across Newcastle. This isn’t your average school job—it’s about connection, consistency, and being the trusted adult some pupils rarely get.
The role
You’ll provide 1:1 and small group support for students navigating social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Day-to-day roles start immediately, with longer-term options if it’s a great match. Think of it as ‘try before you commit’—but with purpose.
Working pattern
We typically need people 3–5 days a week, so there’s flexibility to suit your schedule.
You might be a fit if you’ve got experience in:
- Youth work
- The police or armed forces
- Coaching or mentoring
- Care roles
- Or, personal experience supporting someone with SEND
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Stay calm when things get challenging
- Build trust quickly and with care
- Want to help young people feel safe, seen, and supported
- Are curious about behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches
Support: Dedicated consultant (your job-finding cheerleader)
Bonus: Free Thrive training available for successful candidates—boost your impact and your appeal to schools
Must-haves:
- Right to work in the UK
- Up-to-date DBS (or happy to get one sorted)
- Commitment to showing up and making a difference
If you’re ready to use your skills for something meaningful, let’s chat. We’ve got schools waiting to welcome people just like you. Go on, take the leap—support that sticks starts here.
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 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.
SEND Support employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Support
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students with SEND. Understanding their needs and how to support them will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in SEND roles. Attend local workshops or online forums to connect with others in the field, as they can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in youth work, coaching, or care roles during informal conversations. This can help you build rapport with potential employers and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering or shadowing in a SEND environment before applying. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your understanding but also strengthen your application by showcasing your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand the SEND Support role. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by pupils in Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and think about how your skills can contribute to their success.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in youth work, coaching, or care roles. Emphasise any personal experiences that relate to supporting individuals with SEND, as this will demonstrate your understanding and commitment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a difference in young people's lives. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can provide the calm, confident, and caring support that the role requires.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to building trust with students and handling challenging situations. Research trauma-informed approaches and be prepared to share your thoughts on how they can be applied in a school setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Show Your Passion for Supporting Young People
Make sure to express your genuine interest in helping young people, especially those facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Share any relevant experiences from youth work, coaching, or personal encounters that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
Since the role involves working with students who may exhibit challenging behaviours, it's crucial to convey your ability to remain calm and composed. Prepare examples of situations where you successfully managed stress or conflict, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Trust Quickly
Discuss your strategies for building rapport with young people. Highlight any techniques you've used in previous roles to establish trust and create a safe environment, as this is key to supporting pupils effectively.
✨Be Curious About Behaviour Support
Show your eagerness to learn about trauma-informed approaches and behaviour support strategies. Mention any relevant training or research you've undertaken, and express your willingness to engage in further professional development, such as the free Thrive training offered.
