At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special educational needs in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, a dedicated team making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Full-time hours, with potential for permanent roles in the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of students while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior school experience needed; just bring your passion and positivity!
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people? Are you passionate about supporting children or vulnerable adults with special educational needs? Do you come from a care, support work, youth work or social care background? Or perhaps you have personal experience supporting someone with SEND? If so, Protocol Education would love to hear from you!
We are currently recruiting for a friendly and dedicated Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant to join specialist SEND schools and alternative provisions in Southend-on-Sea. We also welcome applicants from surrounding areas including Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff, Benfleet, Rayleigh, Basildon, Rochford and Canvey Island.
The schools support students with a range of additional needs including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Complex learning difficulties
- Communication and behavioural needs
No previous school experience is required – just a positive attitude, patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
The role may involve:
- Supporting students on a 1:1 and small group basis
- Helping pupils access learning and stay engaged
- Building positive relationships and trust with students
- Encouraging confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing
- Working closely with teachers and support staff as part of a team
The ideal candidate will be:
- Compassionate and approachable
- Calm under pressure
- Reliable and enthusiastic
- Keen to learn and develop within SEND education
- Available full-time, Monday-Friday (typically 8:30am-3:30pm)
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in education, psychology, social care, youth work or SEN support. If you are passionate about helping children with additional needs thrive, we would love to hear from you — apply today!
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 the Protocol Education website.
Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support in Southend-on-Sea employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Protocol Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a genuine difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Located in Southend-on-Sea, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that values compassion and resilience, offering extensive training and development opportunities for our staff. Join us to gain meaningful experience in education while contributing to the emotional wellbeing and independence of students in a collaborative team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might know someone in the education sector. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools and their values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you genuinely care about supporting students with SEND. Tailor your answers to reflect your passion and understanding of their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of volunteering! Gaining hands-on experience in a school or community setting can make you stand out. Plus, it shows your commitment to helping those with special educational needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant. Let’s get you started on this rewarding journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Entry Level SEND Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant / Care Support in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting young people with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Whether it’s from care work, youth work, or personal experiences, we want to know how you can contribute to our team.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself and share what makes you unique in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to work as a Learning Support Assistant. Be ready to share your passion for supporting children with special educational needs and how your background aligns with this role. This genuine enthusiasm can really set you apart!
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have formal experience in a school setting, think about any relevant experiences you’ve had in care, youth work, or personal situations that relate to SEND. Prepare specific examples that highlight your patience, resilience, and ability to build relationships with young people.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with teachers and other support staff, so be prepared to discuss how you thrive in a team environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, and express your eagerness to learn from your colleagues in the SEND field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students with SEND or how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
