At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special educational needs in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, a dedicated team making a difference in SEND education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and free training opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for permanent position and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: No prior school experience needed; just a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people? Are you passionate about supporting children or vulnerable adults with special educational needs? Do you come from a care, support work, youth work or social care background? Or perhaps you have personal experience supporting someone with SEND? If so, Protocol Education would love to hear from you!
We are currently recruiting for a friendly and dedicated Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant to join specialist SEND schools and alternative provisions in Southend-on-Sea. We also welcome applicants from surrounding areas including Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff, Benfleet, Rayleigh, Basildon, Rochford and Canvey Island.
The schools support students with a range of additional needs including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Complex learning difficulties
- Communication and behavioural needs
No previous school experience is required – just a positive attitude, patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
The role may involve:
- Supporting students on a 1:1 and small group basis
- Helping pupils access learning and stay engaged
- Building positive relationships and trust with students
- Encouraging confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing
- Working closely with teachers and support staff as part of a team
The ideal candidate will be:
- Compassionate and approachable
- Calm under pressure
- Reliable and enthusiastic
- Keen to learn and develop within SEND education
- Available full-time, Monday-Friday (typically 8:30am-3:30pm)
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in education, psychology, social care, youth work or SEN support. If you are passionate about helping children with additional needs thrive, we would love to hear from you — apply today!
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 the Protocol Education website.
Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support employer: Protocol Education Ltd
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities for our Learning Support Assistants. Located in Southend-on-Sea, we provide a welcoming environment where you can thrive while making a difference in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might know someone in the education sector. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Visit our website regularly and apply directly to roles that catch your eye. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools and their values. Show them you’re genuinely interested in supporting students with SEND. Tailor your answers to reflect your passion and experience in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re enthusiastic about the role and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine passion for supporting young people with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Whether it’s from care work, youth work, or personal experiences, we want to know how you can contribute to our team.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We’re looking for compassionate and approachable individuals, so show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to making a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to work as a Learning Support Assistant. Be ready to share your passion for supporting young people with special educational needs and how your background—whether in care, youth work, or personal experience—has shaped this desire.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your patience, resilience, and ability to build positive relationships. Whether it’s a time you helped someone overcome a challenge or a situation where you had to stay calm under pressure, these stories will help you stand out.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the school environment. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best support students with SEND. Questions about team dynamics or training opportunities can be particularly insightful.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Let your personality shine through and don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role. Remember, they’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also a good fit for their team and the students.
