At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Year 1 pupil with additional needs and assist in the classroom.
- Company: Friendly primary school in North Shields focused on inclusion and community.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, dedicated support, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for future career growth in educational psychology and related fields.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in education and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Psychology degree or related subject; passion for child development and SEND.
Psychology Graduate? Looking for hands-on experience before a career in Educational Psychology, Teaching, Therapy or Mental Health Support? If you've recently completed a Psychology degree and want to build real-world experience supporting children with additional needs, this could be exactly the opportunity you've been looking for.
We're working with a friendly, one-form entry primary school in North Shields seeking a resilient and compassionate Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant to support a Year 1 pupil on a 1:1 basis. This role would suit someone who is passionate about child development, behaviour, emotional regulation and understanding what drives children's behaviour. It's a chance to gain invaluable experience working closely with a young learner who needs consistent support, patience and positive encouragement throughout the school day.
The Role
You'll be supporting a Year 1 pupil who can present with challenging and disruptive behaviours. There may be occasions where the pupil becomes dysregulated, struggles with classroom expectations, or requires additional support to engage with learning. The school is looking for someone who understands that behaviour is communication and can remain calm, consistent and supportive even on the more challenging days. As the pupil has a bespoke timetable, there will be periods throughout the week when they are not in school. During these times, you will work as a general Teaching Assistant within the Year 1 classroom, supporting the wider class, delivering small group interventions, and assisting the teacher with day-to-day classroom activities. This provides an excellent opportunity to gain a broad range of primary school experience alongside your SEND support responsibilities.
Location: North Shields
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Pay: £92.63 - £95 per day
Start Date: ASAP
What the Role Involves
- Providing dedicated 1:1 support for a Year 1 pupil
- Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour management
- Supporting the wider Year 1 class as a general Teaching Assistant when the pupil is not in school
- Helping the pupil access classroom learning and routines
- Building positive relationships based on trust and consistency
- Working alongside the class teacher and SENDCO
- Encouraging confidence, independence and positive social interactions
- Promoting a calm and engaging learning environment
About the School
This welcoming one-form entry primary school in North Shields offers a genuine community feel, with strong relationships between staff, pupils and families. The leadership team understand the value Psychology graduates bring to the classroom and are committed to providing guidance and support throughout your placement. You'll be joining a nurturing environment where inclusion sits at the heart of everything they do. Staff work collaboratively to ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to achieve their potential. No two days look the same, but that's exactly what makes this role so rewarding.
What We're Looking For
- A Psychology degree or closely related subject
- A genuine interest in SEND, behaviour and child development
- Someone patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- The ability to stay calm when faced with challenging behaviour
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- A proactive attitude and willingness to get involved in school life
- Experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential
Why This Role is Perfect for Psychology Graduates
This position provides valuable experience for anyone considering a future career in:
- Educational Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Mental Health Services
- SEN Teaching
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Work
- Counselling
You'll gain practical experience supporting behaviour, emotional development, communication and learning needs in a school setting, helping you build skills that universities and future employers actively look for.
Why Work with Protocol Education?
- Weekly PAYE pay, with no umbrella companies
- FREE access to our CPD Academy
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
- FREE online safeguarding training
- Opportunities to progress into teacher training and specialist SEND roles
- Local work that supports your long-term career goals
If you're a Psychology graduate who wants meaningful experience, enjoys building positive relationships with children, and has the resilience to support pupils through challenging moments, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career supporting children with SEND.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', which may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. Full assistance provided. 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.
Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant in North Shields employer: Protocol Education
Join a vibrant and supportive school in Brent, where your role as a Year 4 Teacher will be valued and impactful. With competitive pay, guaranteed work agreements, and free professional development opportunities, you will thrive in a culture that celebrates collaboration and excellence. Experience a nurturing environment that not only prioritises student growth but also fosters your own professional journey through ongoing support and engaging social events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant in North Shields
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant at Protocol Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate SEND Teaching Assistant in North Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Protocol Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Protocol Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Protocol Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Protocol Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
