At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with additional learning and emotional needs in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a community-focused education provider in the vibrant Durham region.
- Benefits: Gain real experience, enhance your CV, and enjoy flexible working opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in education, mental health, and social care.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while applying your psychology knowledge.
- Qualifications: Psychology degree and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology graduate looking to use your knowledge in a hands-on, rewarding way? Schools across Durham are looking for dedicated SEND Support Assistants to help pupils with additional learning, social, emotional or behavioural needs. It’s a brilliant opportunity to apply what you’ve studied, gain real experience, and start shaping your career in education or mental health.
We support schools right across the Durham region, including:
- The lively and historic Durham City area
- Community-focused schools in Chester-le-Street, Birtley and surrounding towns
- Supportive mainstream and SEND provisions across Houghton-le-Spring and nearby villages
- Warm, close-knit village schools around Coxhoe, Bowburn, and Kelloe
- Inclusive primary and secondary settings in Ushaw Moor, Brandon, and Langley Park
- Busy, energetic schools in Consett
- Community-led education settings across Stanley and neighbouring areas
We’ll match you to a school where your skills and potential will make the biggest difference.
What you’ll be doing as a SEND Support Assistant:
- Supporting pupils who need extra help with communication, confidence, emotional regulation, or learning
- Delivering 1:1 and small-group support tailored to individual needs
- Helping pupils manage transitions, routines and classroom expectations
- Encouraging independence and celebrating their progress
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and wider pastoral teams
You’ll be someone pupils look to for reassurance, calm, and encouragement throughout the day.
Why Psychology graduates thrive in these roles:
Your background gives you a unique understanding of behaviour, motivation, emotional wellbeing, and neurodiversity. Everything you’ve studied from child development to cognitive processes comes alive in the classroom. Psychology graduates often excel because they:
- Understand how to build trust with young people
- Can stay patient, calm, and reflective in challenging moments
- Spot patterns in behaviour and recognise triggers
- Adapt their approach to meet individual needs
- Bring empathy, curiosity and a learner’s mindset
It’s a fantastic stepping stone into:
- Educational psychology
- Teaching
- Mental health support
- Counselling
- Youth work
- Speech and language pathways
- Social care settings
This experience looks brilliant on a CV and gives you real insight into the impact of behaviour and learning strategies.
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 employer: Protocol Education
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our SEND Support Assistants. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering Psychology graduates a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in diverse educational settings across the vibrant Durham region. With a commitment to safeguarding and continuous training, we ensure our staff feel empowered and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join local psychology groups, or connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to a school looking for SEND Support Assistants.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteer at local schools or community centres to gain practical skills and show potential employers that you're committed to making a difference. Plus, it’s a great way to build your CV while you’re at it!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your unique psychology background in your interviews. Talk about how your studies have prepared you to support pupils with additional needs and how you can bring empathy and understanding to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay positive and persistent! The job market can be tough, but don’t get discouraged. Keep applying, refining your skills, and remember that every interview is a chance to learn and grow. We believe in you!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of a SEND Support Assistant. Highlight any relevant coursework or volunteer work that showcases your understanding of behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about working with young people. Share specific examples from your studies or experiences that demonstrate your ability to support pupils with additional needs.
Showcase Your Psychology Knowledge:Don’t shy away from mentioning how your psychology background equips you for this role. Discuss how your understanding of child development and emotional regulation can make a difference in the classroom.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially topics related to child development and emotional wellbeing. Be ready to discuss how your studies can directly apply to supporting pupils with additional needs.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of empathy and patience. Share examples from your experience where you've successfully built trust with young people or helped someone through a challenging situation.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions that might ask how you'd handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about how you would support a pupil struggling with emotional regulation or transitioning between activities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to SEND support or how they foster a supportive environment for both staff and pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
