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- Tasks: Support pupils with SEND, helping them feel safe and ready to learn.
- Company: Protocol Education values lived experience and promotes children's welfare.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and one-to-one support from a consultant.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using your personal experience to help children thrive.
- Qualifications: No teaching qualification needed; just compassion and resilience.
- Other info: Temporary position with potential for permanence; safeguarding checks required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
You’ve lived it. Now you can lead with it.
Whether you’ve grown up supporting a sibling with autism, volunteered in a local SEND group, or faced your own learning challenges—you get it. You know that every small win matters. That calm voices, clear routines, and connection make all the difference.
If you’ve got personal experience of special educational needs and you’re ready to make an impact professionally, this role is for you.
What the role looks like:
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Supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, or SEMH (social, emotional and mental health)
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Helping them feel safe, understood, and ready to learn
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Working closely with teachers, therapists and SENCOs to tailor support
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Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and their families
This could be a great fit if you:
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Have first-hand experience of SEND—whether personally, in your family, or through volunteering
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Want to help children feel seen, supported, and capable
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Are calm, patient and full of empathy (even on the tough days)
In return, you’ll get:
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Weekly pay through PAYE—no umbrella deductions
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FREE Thrive training and access to SEND-specific CPD
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One-to-one support from your Protocol Education consultant
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The chance to work in schools that value your insight and heart
You don’t need a teaching qualification—just compassion, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves to feel they belong.
Apply today and bring your real-world experience to a role that really matters.
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.
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SEND Teaching Assistant - Use Your Lived Experience! employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant - Use Your Lived Experience!
✨Tip Number 1
Leverage your personal experiences with SEND to connect with the interviewers. Share specific stories that highlight your understanding of the challenges faced by pupils and how you can support them effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the school or organisation you're applying to. Understand their values and approach to SEND, and be ready to discuss how your lived experience aligns with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your empathy and patience in practical scenarios. Think of examples where you've successfully supported someone with SEND, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the SEND field. Attend local events or online forums to connect with others who share your passion, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals for job opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant - Use Your Lived Experience!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lived Experience: Make sure to emphasise your personal experience with special educational needs in your application. Share specific examples of how this experience has shaped your understanding and approach to supporting children.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the role, such as empathy, patience, and communication. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in real-life situations.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description. Mention your understanding of autism, ADHD, and other SEND needs, and how you can contribute positively to the learning environment.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about possible interview questions related to your experience and how you would handle various scenarios in a classroom setting. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Share Your Personal Experience
Be ready to discuss your own lived experiences with SEND. Whether it's supporting a family member or overcoming your own challenges, sharing these stories can demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
During the interview, highlight situations where you've had to be calm and patient. This role requires a lot of emotional resilience, so providing examples of how you've handled tough situations will show you're a great fit.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with autism, ADHD, and other SEND. Being able to articulate how you would support these children and work with teachers and families will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to SEND and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to making a positive impact.