At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with Autism and learning disabilities to enhance their communication skills.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Protocol Education focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent placement and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping students find their voice in unique ways.
- Qualifications: Experience with ASD or PMLD and a passion for supporting diverse communication styles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Not every child communicates with words… but every child has something to say. If you’re someone who understands that communication goes far beyond talking, this role will feel incredibly rewarding. We’re working with a specialist setting looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Autism (ASD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). The focus? Helping students develop their communication skills, whether that’s through speech, signs, symbols, or small, powerful moments of connection.
What your day might look like:
- Supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups with ASD and PMLD
- Encouraging communication using tools like PECS, Makaton, or sensory cues
- Helping students build confidence with verbal and non‑verbal expression
- Working alongside therapists, teachers, and SEN specialists
- Creating a calm, structured environment where students feel safe to engage
- Celebrating progress that might seem small to others, but means everything here
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience with ASD, PMLD, or complex needs
- Understands different communication styles, verbal and non‑verbal
- Brings patience, empathy, and consistency (your calm energy is key)
- Is happy supporting personal care where needed
- Wants to make a genuine, lasting impact
Why this role stands out:
This is one of those roles that stays with you. You’re not just supporting learning, you’re helping students find their voice, in whatever form that takes. And when that breakthrough happens? There’s nothing quite like it.
What you’ll get with Protocol Education:
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies, no faff
- FREE access to our CPD Academy
- Ongoing SEND-focused training and development
- A consultant who understands specialist settings
- Opportunities in schools that truly value support staff
- Referral scheme, bring a friend and earn rewards
Ready to get started? If you’re nodding along thinking this is exactly why I got into education, we’d love to hear from you.
Quick one before you go… are you Thrive trained? If not, we’ll get you set up with our free Thrive training. It’s a brilliant way to deepen your understanding of emotional development and stand out in specialist SEND settings.
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.
SEND Teaching Assistant- Help Every Voice Be Heard in Croydon employer: Protocol Education Ltd
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our SEND Teaching Assistants. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our FREE access to CPD Academy and ongoing SEND-focused training, ensuring that you grow alongside the students you support. Located in a specialist setting, you will find immense satisfaction in helping pupils with Autism and PMLD discover their unique voices, all while being part of a team that truly values your contributions and celebrates every small victory.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant- Help Every Voice Be Heard in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to SEND. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to the field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, be ready to showcase your understanding of different communication styles. Share specific examples of how you've supported students with ASD or PMLD in the past. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of students.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant- Help Every Voice Be Heard in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting students with ASD and PMLD. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your understanding of different communication styles. This will help us connect with your genuine desire to make a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of helping every voice be heard.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked with children who have complex needs before, shout about it! Mention any training or techniques you’re familiar with, like PECS or Makaton, as this shows us you're ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your Communication Tools
Familiarise yourself with communication methods like PECS and Makaton. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in the past or how you plan to incorporate them into your work. This shows that you understand the role's focus on diverse communication styles.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles. Highlight moments where you made a difference in a child's learning or emotional development, as this aligns perfectly with the job's core values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle various situations with students who have ASD or PMLD. Think through potential scenarios and your responses ahead of time. This will help you articulate your approach to creating a calm and supportive environment.
✨Celebrate Small Wins
Be prepared to discuss how you recognise and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Share anecdotes that illustrate your understanding of the importance of these moments in a SEND setting, as it reflects your commitment to making a genuine impact.
