At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead classrooms and support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Protocol Education, dedicated to nurturing future teachers.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, ongoing training, and dedicated support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and potential permanent positions.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on teaching experience and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: A degree or graduating this year, with a positive attitude and communication skills.
Graduate Opportunity, Cover Supervisor & SEN Support Assistant
Location: Newham
Pay: £90–£110 per day
Full-time and part-time opportunities available
Start Date: Immediate and September starts available
Thinking about teaching, but not quite ready to dive straight into a PGCE? This could be your perfect first step. We’re looking for graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in schools as Cover Supervisors and SEN Support Assistants. Whether your degree is in Psychology, English, Sport, Drama, Maths, or something completely different, if you enjoy working with young people and want a role that genuinely makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
No two days are the same. One day you could be leading a classroom while a teacher is away, the next you might be supporting a pupil with SEND to help them thrive. It’s real school experience, the kind that gives you confidence, classroom skills, and a proper feel for what teaching is actually like. Think of it as your “try before you train” moment.
What does the role involve?
- As a Cover Supervisor:
- Leading pre-planned lessons across different subjects
- Keeping pupils engaged and learning on track
- Building classroom confidence and behaviour management skills
- Becoming that calm, capable adult every school needs by 8:15am ☕
- As SEN Support:
- Working 1:1 or in small groups with pupils who need extra support
- Helping children feel safe, understood, and included
- Supporting learning, routines, and emotional wellbeing
- Learning from experienced SEN teams and teachers
Why graduates love this role
- Build real classroom experience
- Develop confidence before teacher training
- Explore different schools and age groups
- Strengthen your CV for PGCE or teacher training applications
- Make a genuine impact every single day
And honestly? There’s nothing quite like the moment a student finally gets something because you helped them believe they could.
What we’re looking for
You don’t need teaching experience already. Just:
- A degree or graduating this year
- Confidence communicating with young people
- A positive, can-do attitude
- Reliability, resilience, and a sense of humour helps too
- An interest in education, teaching, psychology, youth work, or SEN
- Any previous experience working with children, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or volunteering is a big bonus.
Why Protocol Education?
We’ll support you from day one, whether you’re testing the waters or fully set on becoming a teacher in the future. You’ll get:
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
- FREE access to our CPD Academy
- Ongoing training in behaviour, safeguarding, and SEND
- Dedicated consultant support from people who genuinely get schools
- Opportunities in mainstream and specialist settings
- Flexible work to fit around your goals and schedule
Interested in SEN? Ask us about our FREE Thrive training too. Schools love it, and it’s a brilliant addition to your skillset.
Ready to step into the classroom? If you’re looking for a role that’s meaningful, varied, and a proper introduction to teaching, this could be the start of something big.
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.
Aspiring Graduate Teachers employer: Protocol Education
Protocol Education is an exceptional employer for aspiring graduate teachers, offering a supportive environment where you can gain invaluable classroom experience while making a real difference in students' lives. With flexible work options, dedicated consultant support, and access to ongoing training, including our FREE Thrive training for those interested in SEN, we empower you to build your confidence and skills before embarking on your teaching journey. Join us in Newham, where every day presents a new opportunity to inspire and engage young minds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Graduate Teachers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, friends, or even teachers who might have connections in schools. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Cover Supervisor or SEN Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local education events or workshops. Not only will you learn more about the teaching world, but you'll also meet potential employers and make valuable contacts. Plus, it shows your commitment to education!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow schools and educational organisations on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your thoughts on education topics to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing your dream role. We’re all about supporting aspiring teachers, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need guidance during your application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Graduate Teachers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! In your application, share why you’re interested in education and how your degree relates to this role. We want to know what makes you tick!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it’s tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering. We love seeing how your background fits with the role of Cover Supervisor or SEN Support Assistant.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for genuine individuals who can connect with students. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. A positive attitude and a sense of humour can go a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to hear from you about this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Cover Supervisor or SEN Support Assistant entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and think about how your skills and experiences align with these roles. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with young people and your interest in education. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's tutoring, volunteering, or simply your passion for helping others learn. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in students' lives.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle classroom behaviour and support students with special educational needs. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging situations or supported someone in need. This will show your ability to adapt and thrive in a school environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the role, the school culture, or the support you'll receive. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the position is the right fit for you. Plus, it leaves a positive impression on the interviewers!
