At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children’s learning and emotional needs as a Learning Support Assistant.
- Company: A supportive primary school in Gateshead focused on inclusion and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, dedicated support, and potential long-term placements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in psychology and education.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in child psychology while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Psychology degree and have a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
Want to turn your Psychology degree into practical experience? A supportive Gateshead primary school is seeking a motivated Psychology Graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant from September. This role is particularly suited to graduates who want to gain meaningful experience before applying for Educational Psychology training, Clinical Psychology postgraduate courses, Child Psychology roles, mental health positions or other careers working with children. Rather than simply gaining classroom experience, you'll have the opportunity to develop your understanding of how children learn, communicate, behave and respond to different environments and support strategies.
About the School
The school has a strong commitment to inclusion and pupil wellbeing. Staff work closely together to understand each child's individual needs and provide appropriate support to help them succeed. You'll join an experienced team and receive support as you develop your skills within the school environment.
Your Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:
- Work closely with pupils who require additional academic, social or emotional support.
- Provide one-to-one and small group assistance.
- Support children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and other additional needs.
- Encourage pupils to develop emotional regulation and positive social skills.
- Support children to manage transitions, routines and changes throughout the school day.
- Help pupils develop confidence and independence.
- Assist teachers in implementing individualised learning and support strategies.
- Observe and communicate relevant changes in behaviour, engagement and wellbeing.
- Support positive behaviour through consistent and child-centred approaches.
- Build trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Gain Experience That Relates Directly to Psychology
Working in a primary school can provide valuable insight into:
- Child and adolescent development
- Cognitive and social development
- Behavioural psychology
- Emotional regulation
- Neurodiversity
- Autism and ADHD
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Communication and social interaction
- SEND and inclusion
- Safeguarding
- Behavioural observation
- Intervention and support strategies
This experience can be particularly valuable when preparing postgraduate applications and interviews for psychology-related careers.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a Psychology graduate who:
- Holds a Psychology degree.
- Has a genuine interest in working with children.
- Is considering a future career within psychology, education, healthcare or children's services.
- Is empathetic, patient and emotionally resilient.
- Can build positive relationships with children.
- Is confident communicating with teachers and support staff.
- Is willing to learn and take on feedback.
- Has previous experience with children or vulnerable individuals (desirable, but not essential).
What Protocol Education Can Offer
- Competitive weekly PAYE pay.
- Free CPD and specialist training.
- Dedicated consultant support.
- Opportunities to gain experience across primary education and SEND.
- Long-term placements with potential permanent opportunities.
- £50 Refer-a-Friend bonus.
- Ongoing career guidance and support.
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.
Psychology Graduate - Gain Child Psychology Experience in a Primary School in Gateshead employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Join a nurturing nursery setting in LS11 where your passion for early years education can truly shine. We prioritise a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers ongoing professional development, and fosters strong relationships with children and their families. With a focus on creating a safe and engaging environment, you'll find every day rewarding as you help little learners thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate - Gain Child Psychology Experience in a Primary School in Gateshead
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Psychology Graduate - Gain Child Psychology Experience in a Primary School at Protocol Education Ltd, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate - Gain Child Psychology Experience in a Primary School in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Protocol Education Ltd connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Protocol Education Ltd, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Protocol Education Ltd will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Protocol Education Ltd that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
