Teaching Assistant (SEMH / Autism)

Location: Rudgeway area

Contract: Full-time, term time only

Protocol Education is working in partnership with a brand-new specialist SEN school to recruit a Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, alongside autism and moderate learning needs.

As a Teaching Assistant here, you’ll be driven by progress others might overlook. Sitting through a lesson, regulating emotions, and choosing to engage are the huge small victories that change lives. They may look small on the surface, but together they make a powerful difference, and they’re celebrated every single day.

The role involves working closely with pupils who need consistency, patience, and belief. Supporting learning, confidence, and self-esteem, you’ll help young people develop the skills they need for school and beyond. You’ll need resilience and commitment, but the progress you help unlock will be something you’re genuinely proud of.

• Support pupils with SEMH and autism to access learning
• Help young people develop confidence, independence, and emotional regulation
• Support planned learning activities and behaviour strategies
• Work closely with teachers and the wider support team
• Create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment

About the school: The school is a purpose-built, modern SEN setting supporting up to 50 pupils aged 8–16. Designed to combine the best elements of mainstream and specialist education, it offers excellent facilities, strong structure, and a clear focus on individual progress and care. Staff work as a close, supportive team, and you’ll be part of shaping the school as it continues to grow.

What we’re looking for: You don’t need years of experience, but you do need the right mindset. We’re looking for people who:

• Care deeply about supporting young people with additional needs
• Are resilient, patient, and positive
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Want to make a genuine difference, one small win at a time

Experience in SEN, SEMH, or autism is helpful, but not essential. Full training is provided.

What’s on offer: The school offers a strong benefits package, including:

• Full induction and on-the-job training
• Full school holidays
• Clear progression opportunities
• Flexible benefits options
• Wellbeing tools and Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cover to claim back dental, optical, and medical costs
• High-street discounts
• £1,000 refer-a-friend scheme
• Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)
• A modern, well-resourced working environment

Applying through Protocol Education: When you apply via Protocol Education, you’ll receive:

• Dedicated consultant support throughout the process
• Honest insight into the school and role
• Interview preparation and guidance
• Access to free CPD and SEN training

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’, which 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.