At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a primary school setting.
- Company: Welcoming primary school in Gateshead focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Free training, competitive pay, and ongoing support from dedicated consultants.
- Other info: Ideal for those considering careers in psychology, teaching, or child development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduate or related degree; passion for SEND and child development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain hands‑on experience supporting children with additional needs in a primary school? A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Gateshead is looking for a Psychology Graduate Trainee SEND Support Assistant to join their team and support pupils across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. This is an excellent opportunity if you're considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, CAMHS, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Primary Teaching.
About the School
This friendly Gateshead primary school has a strong commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. Staff work collaboratively to provide tailored support for pupils with a range of additional learning, communication and social needs, creating a positive environment where children feel safe, supported and confident. The school has a welcoming staff team, excellent leadership and places a strong emphasis on professional development, making it an ideal environment for graduates beginning their careers in education.
Your Role as a Trainee SEND Support Assistant
You'll work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and wider support staff to help pupils with SEND access learning and develop confidence. Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small intervention groups
- Assisting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs and moderate learning difficulties
- Helping pupils regulate emotions and develop positive behaviour strategies
- Supporting literacy, numeracy and classroom activities
- Using visual resources, structured routines and positive reinforcement
- Encouraging communication, independence and social development
- Monitoring pupil progress and celebrating achievements
- Helping to create a calm, engaging and inclusive learning environment
This is a rewarding, hands‑on role where every day brings new experiences and opportunities to make a genuine difference.
Who This Role Suits
This opportunity would suit someone who is:
- A Psychology graduate (or holds a related degree)
- Passionate about SEND, child development or mental health
- Patient, empathetic and resilient
- Confident building positive relationships with children
- Proactive, adaptable and eager to learn
- Interested in gaining practical experience before progressing into further study or professional training
Previous experience working with children is beneficial but not essential, as full support and guidance will be provided.
Why Join Protocol Education?
- Free access to our Educator CPD Academy, including SEND, safeguarding and behaviour management training
- Ongoing support from your own dedicated consultant
- Competitive weekly pay
- Opportunities for long‑term placements and permanent school roles
- Valuable experience to support careers in psychology, teaching and child development
Safeguarding
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references in line with DfE safer recruitment guidance. We offer online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Interested? Apply today and begin building the practical experience that will set you apart for a future career in psychology, SEND or primary education. 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. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see the Protocol Education website.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate Trainee SEND Support Assistant - Primary School in Gateshead
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Join local psychology associations or clubs in your area. They often host networking events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the field. This is a great way to get insider information and showcase your enthusiasm.
✨Utilise Your University Career Service
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if you're still studying. They often have connections with local clinics and organisations offering trainee roles, so get involved in workshops and career fairs they organise.
✨Start a Psychology Blog or Vlog
Why not channel your passion into a blog or vlog? Share your insights on psychology topics that excite you. This not only builds your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Plus, it could attract the attention of potential employers, including Protocol Education Ltd.
✨Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out Directly
Sometimes, it's all about who you know—or who you can contact! Don't hesitate to reach out directly to organisations you'd love to work with. Introduce yourself, express your interest in trainee roles, and even ask about potential openings. You'd be surprised at the opportunities that can open up just by being proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate Trainee SEND Support Assistant - Primary School in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, your academic achievements matter! Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, your grades, and if you've been involved in any research projects or psychology clubs. All of this shows your dedication and passion for the subject—something that’s crucial for a trainee role at Protocol Education Ltd.
Share Your Experience with People:Even if you haven’t officially worked in psychology yet, talk about any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs where you've interacted with people. Whether you've done tutoring, counselling, or even community engagement, it’s all relevant! We want to see how you've applied your knowledge in real-life situations.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Express your motivation for wanting to become a psychologist and why you’re excited about working at Protocol Education Ltd. Focus on what you hope to learn from this trainee position and how it aligns with your career goals in psychology. Let your passion and personal touch come through!
Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you’ve got any certifications or have completed online courses relevant to psychology (like mental health first aid or counselling techniques), don’t forget to include them! They can set you apart from other applicants and show your initiative to learn even outside a formal setting. This is particularly important for a trainee role, where eagerness to learn is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Psychological Theories
Since you're applying for a trainee position in psychology, it's key to demonstrate your understanding of core psychological theories. Revise the major theories and think about how they'd apply in real-world scenarios, which can pop up during case study questions in the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening Skills
Interviewer might assess your ability to interact with clients or colleagues, so practising active listening is crucial. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend where you practice summarising what they've said, which showcases your ability to engage constructively.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, they’ll be looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your passion for psychology, whether it’s relevant coursework, volunteering, or reading specific books that shaped your interest.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
Psychoethical questions can come up, so think through dilemmas you might face in practice. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines in psychology, as being ready to discuss how you'd handle tricky situations can set you apart from other candidates.
