At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with additional needs in local schools while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Protocol Education, dedicated to promoting children's welfare and education.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, weekly pay, and free training opportunities.
- Other info: Clear pathway to full-time roles after graduation and ongoing support from consultants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building your CV for future careers.
- Qualifications: Studying Psychology or related degree; experience with children is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Want real experience that looks good on your CV? If you’re studying Psychology and thinking about a future in education, mental health, SEND, or child development, this role is a brilliant way to get hands-on experience while you study. We’re looking for Psychology undergraduates to work in local schools as SEND Support Staff, supporting pupils with additional needs, emotional regulation challenges, and learning barriers. You’ll build real skills, real confidence, and make a real difference, without giving up your uni life. And the best bit? Once you graduate, there’s a clear pathway into a full-time role in a Newcastle school.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (school-based roles across the city)
Hours: Part-time during term time (flexible around your timetable)
Contract: Until graduation, with a clear route into a full-time school role afterwards
Start Date: ASAP / flexible
The Role: SEND Support in Schools
You’ll be working closely with pupils who need extra support, either 1:1 or in small groups. Every day is different, but your focus will be helping children feel safe, supported, and able to learn. You could be supporting pupils with:
- Autism (ASC)
- ADHD
- SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs)
- Speech and language needs
- Trauma-related behaviours
- Learning difficulties
Typical responsibilities include:
- Providing calm, consistent classroom support
- Helping pupils stay regulated and engaged
- Supporting behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Working alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
- Helping pupils build confidence and independence
- Creating a positive routine and structure
What We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for someone who is:
- Studying Psychology (or a related degree)
- Interested in SEND, mental health, education or child development
- Patient, calm, and naturally encouraging
- Confident building relationships with children
- Reliable and happy to get stuck in
Experience in schools is helpful, but not essential. If you’ve worked with children in any setting (tutoring, coaching, mentoring, volunteering), we want to hear from you.
Why This Role is Perfect for Undergrads
Because it gives you:
- Paid experience in a school setting
- Real-life insight into SEND and child development
- Strong CV experience for future careers (educational psychology, teaching, CAMHS, therapy, social work)
- Flexible work around uni
- A clear route into a full-time role once you graduate
What You’ll Get with Protocol Education
- Weekly pay through PAYE (no umbrella company faff)
- Flexible part-time work during term time
- FREE access to our CPD Academy
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
- Opportunities across mainstream, SEND, and alternative provision schools
- A smooth registration process and quick placements
Thrive Training (FREE!)
If you’re not already Thrive trained, we’ll get you booked onto our free Thrive training. Schools love it, and it’s a brilliant add-on for anyone studying Psychology or considering a future in SEND.
Ready to Start?
If you’re a Psychology undergrad looking for meaningful part-time work in Newcastle schools, this is your sign. Apply now and we’ll be in touch to chat about your timetable, preferences, and the best schools for you.
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.
Part-Time SEND Support Role | Psychology Undergrads employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Protocol Education is an exceptional employer for Psychology undergraduates seeking meaningful part-time work in Newcastle schools. With flexible hours that fit around your university timetable, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in SEND support while receiving ongoing training and dedicated consultant support. The clear pathway to a full-time role post-graduation, combined with opportunities for professional development, makes this a rewarding environment for aspiring educators and mental health professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time SEND Support Role | Psychology Undergrads
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your uni mates, professors, or even local schools. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info on what schools are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with volunteering! If you haven’t already, consider volunteering in schools or community centres. It’s a fab way to gain experience and show potential employers that you’re committed to working with kids and SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Show how your psychology background makes you the perfect fit for supporting pupils with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive! After applying, don’t just sit back. Follow up with a friendly email or call to express your enthusiasm. It shows you’re keen and can help you stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time SEND Support Role | Psychology Undergrads
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have with children or in educational settings. We want to see how your background in Psychology can shine through in your application!
Craft a Personal Statement:Use your personal statement to express your passion for SEND and child development. Share why you’re interested in this role and how it fits into your future career plans. Let us know what makes you unique!
Showcase Your Skills:Mention specific skills that relate to the role, like patience, empathy, and communication. We’re looking for candidates who can build relationships with children, so don’t be shy about sharing your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get back to you quickly about potential opportunities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with common challenges like autism, ADHD, and emotional regulation. This will show your interviewers that you're genuinely interested and prepared to support pupils effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you haven't worked in a school setting before, think about any relevant experience you have. Whether it's tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering, be ready to discuss how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed for this role. Real-life examples can make a big impact!
✨Demonstrate Your Patience and Empathy
In this role, you'll need to be calm and encouraging. Prepare to share examples of times when you've had to be patient or empathetic, especially in challenging situations. This will help convey your suitability for supporting children with additional needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to SEND, the support you'll receive, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
