Psychology Graduate: SEN Support Assistant

Psychology Graduate: SEN Support Assistant

Entry level 19000 - 21000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Protocol Education Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a Year 2 pupil 1:1, managing behaviour and fostering engagement in learning.
  • Company: Welcoming primary school in Newcastle, focused on inclusivity and positive relationships.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily pay, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Gain valuable skills for future careers in psychology, teaching, and child support.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in educational psychology while making a real difference in a child's life.
  • Qualifications: Psychology graduate or similar, with a passion for supporting children with complex needs.

The predicted salary is between 19000 - 21000 £ per year.

Looking to start a career in educational psychology, child development, or behaviour support? This could be your perfect first step.

We’re looking for a resilient, patient, and compassionate SEN Support Assistant to work 1:1 with a Year 2 pupil in a welcoming primary school in NE6 for the new academic year. The child displays challenging behaviour and is currently awaiting assessment for autism, so this role is about building trust, creating consistency, and helping them feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.

This pupil has easier and more difficult days, which is why we’re looking for someone who can stay calm under pressure, celebrate small wins, and keep showing up with positivity and patience.

Location: Newcastle (NE6)

Pay: £92.63 - £102 per day

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full-time, long-term

What you’ll be doing:

  • Supporting a Year 2 pupil on a 1:1 basis
  • Helping manage emotional regulation and challenging behaviour
  • Building positive relationships and encouraging engagement in learning
  • Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and wider school team
  • Creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment

This role could be perfect if you are:

  • A Psychology graduate (or similar) looking to gain hands-on experience
  • Interested in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, SEND, or Behaviour Support
  • Calm under pressure and able to think on your feet
  • Resilient, empathetic, and confident setting boundaries
  • Passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning
  • Previous experience with children, young people, SEND, mental health, youth work, coaching, care, or support work would be advantageous, but attitude matters most

About the school:

This is a welcoming and inclusive community primary school in the heart of Newcastle’s NE6 area, catering for children aged 2 to 11. The school prides itself on building positive relationships, resilience, and a love of learning. The school celebrates diversity and creates an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. The school also boasts a staff car park and excellent public transport links.

What you’ll gain:

Real-world experience supporting a child with complex needs, developing behaviour management skills, and working alongside experienced education professionals. This experience can support applications to Psychology Master’s programmes, Educational Psychology pathways, teaching, counselling, and related child-focused careers.

Requirements and compliance:

All applicants will require appropriate qualifications and training for this role. DBS check (enhanced) and DBS Update Service subscription are typically required. Safeguarding and Prevent Duty training may be provided or required by the agency. Protocol Education undertakes safeguarding checks in line with statutory guidance.

Psychology Graduate: SEN Support Assistant employer: Protocol Education Ltd

Join a welcoming primary school in Newcastle's NE6 area, where you will be part of a supportive community dedicated to fostering resilience and a love of learning. As an SEN Support Assistant, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience while working closely with experienced professionals, all within an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. With excellent public transport links and a focus on employee growth, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life.

Protocol Education Ltd

Contact Details:

Protocol Education Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate: SEN Support Assistant

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SEN support. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal chat, share your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate: SEN Support Assistant

Resilience
Patience
Compassion
Emotional Regulation
Behaviour Management
Building Positive Relationships
Engagement in Learning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background in psychology or related fields makes you a great fit for supporting children with complex needs.

Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for educational psychology and how you can contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for the pupil. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!

Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've worked with children or have experience in behaviour support, make it stand out! We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your resilience, empathy, and ability to stay calm under pressure.

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 any important updates about the role!

How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of educational psychology and child development. Familiarise yourself with concepts related to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and behaviour management strategies. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Show Your Empathy

During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and compassion in challenging situations. Whether it's from previous work or personal experiences, showing that you can connect with children and understand their needs is crucial for this role.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

Since the role involves working with a pupil who may display challenging behaviour, it’s important to convey your ability to remain calm and composed. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to manage stress effectively and be prepared to discuss them.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting children with complex needs. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the school's mission of creating a supportive environment for all students.