At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with additional needs in a classroom setting.
- Company: Join a caring team in SEND schools focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and flexible opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain real experience while helping students thrive and feel supported.
- Qualifications: Ideal for psychology graduates or those passionate about education.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent holiday and career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Psychology Graduates & SEN Teaching Assistants – West Leeds
Real classroom experience, meaningful SEN support, and a brilliant step towards your future career.
Role: Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: West Leeds
Start Date: January 2026
Contract: Full-time, term time only
Are you a psychology graduate or aspiring SEN Teaching Assistant looking to gain hands-on experience with young people? Thinking about a future in educational psychology, teaching, counselling, CAMHS, or SEND leadership, and want experience that actually counts? We’re working with SEND schools who are looking for calm, caring, and committed individuals to join their SEN support teams from January 2026. These are schools that value relationships, consistency, and staff who genuinely care about making a difference.
The role: You’ll be supporting pupils aged 11 to 16 with a range of additional needs, including:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Speech and communication needs
- Social, emotional, and mental health needs
Support may be 1:1 or in small groups, helping students regulate emotions, access learning, and feel safe and supported in school. No two days are the same, but the impact you make is very real.
Who this role suits:
- Psychology graduates looking for practical SEN experience
- Aspiring teachers, educational psychologists, counsellors, or SEND professionals
- Graduates taking a gap year before further study
- Experienced SEN or support staff wanting a full-time, stable role
- Anyone calm, patient, and passionate about supporting young people
A TA Level 3 qualification or SEN experience is ideal, but not essential. Schools will provide training and support, especially if you bring the right attitude and energy.
Contract details:
- Start date: January 2026
- Full-time, Monday to Friday
- Working hours: 8:15am to 3:15pm
- Term time only, in line with the local authority calendar
- Around 16 weeks holiday per year
Why work with Protocol Education:
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
- Free access to our online CPD and training academy
- Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
- Flexible opportunities across SEN, mainstream, and specialist settings
- Refer a friend scheme with rewards for successful referrals
If you want a role where you’ll learn fast, feel supported, and make a genuine difference to young people’s lives, this could be a great next step. 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 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.
Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant in Leeds employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant in Leeds
✨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 passion for helping young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant experience, projects, or volunteer work you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your psychology background and any relevant experience with SEN. We want to see how you can make a difference in the classroom!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re interested in supporting young people with additional needs and how this role fits into your career aspirations. We love seeing genuine passion!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications and motivations better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially around special educational needs (SEN). Familiarise yourself with common conditions like autism and ADHD, and think about how they might affect learning. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's volunteering, tutoring, or even personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in students' lives.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the school. Ask about their approach to supporting students with SEN or how they foster relationships within the team. This shows you're serious about the position and want to be part of their community.
✨Be Yourself
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to be genuine. Schools are looking for calm, caring individuals who can connect with students. Let your personality come through, and don’t be afraid to share why you’re passionate about this career path.