Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 19200 - 20400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Protocol Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with emotional regulation and learning in a vibrant primary school.
  • Company: Welcoming primary school in Benwell with a strong community focus.
  • Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, dedicated support, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with no two days the same, perfect for hands-on learners.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
  • Qualifications: Psychology degree or related subject; passion for child development is key.

The predicted salary is between 19200 - 20400 £ per year.

Calling all Psychology graduates... If you’ve ever thought about working with children, supporting mental wellbeing, or getting hands-on experience before moving into teaching, Educational Psychology, therapy or social care, this one’s worth a look. We’re working with a welcoming primary school in Benwell looking for a Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team in September. The school is looking for someone calm, caring, and ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into school life from day one.

You’ll be supporting pupils across KS1 and KS2, with a particular focus on children who need a little extra help with emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and classroom routines. Some days you’ll be leading small intervention groups, other days you’ll be the reassuring face helping a child settle into their morning. No two days are the same, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

Location: Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm

Start Date: 2nd September 2026

Pay: £92.63 – £98 per day

What the role involves:

  • Supporting children 1:1 and in small groups
  • Helping pupils with SEND needs including autism and ADHD
  • Assisting with emotional regulation and behaviour support
  • Working closely with class teachers and the SENCO
  • Encouraging positive routines and confidence in learning
  • Creating a calm, supportive classroom environment

About the school:

This friendly Benwell primary school is known for its strong sense of community and genuinely supportive atmosphere. Staff work closely together, behaviour is well managed, and there’s a big focus on helping children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. The leadership team are brilliant with graduates and understand that everyone starts somewhere. You won’t be left to “figure it out” on your own. There’s proper guidance, regular check-ins, and plenty of opportunities to build experience in SEND and pastoral support. The school has a diverse intake and takes real pride in celebrating individuality, inclusion, and creativity. Expect colourful displays, busy classrooms, lots of laughter, and at least one child asking you if dinosaurs still exist by lunchtime.

What we’re looking for:

  • A Psychology degree or related subject
  • A genuine interest in child development and education
  • Someone patient, resilient, and positive
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Any experience supporting children or young people is a bonus, but not essential

Why work with Protocol Education?

  • Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
  • FREE access to our CPD Academy
  • Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
  • Opportunities to progress into teacher training or specialist SEND roles
  • Local work that fits around your goals
  • Bonus points if you’re Thrive trained. Not trained yet? No worries, we can help you access FREE Thrive training through Protocol Education, which looks brilliant on your CV and gives you extra tools to support children emotionally in the classroom.

Ready to kickstart your career in education? Apply now and get your September plans sorted nice and early!

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 SEN Teaching Assistant employer: Protocol Education

At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, especially for those looking to kickstart their careers in education. Our welcoming primary school in Benwell offers a supportive work culture where staff collaborate closely, ensuring that you receive proper guidance and regular check-ins as you develop your skills in supporting children with SEND needs. With opportunities for professional growth, including access to free Thrive training and pathways into teacher training, you'll find a rewarding environment that celebrates individuality and creativity while making a meaningful impact on young lives.

Protocol Education

Contact Details:

Protocol Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school before your interview! Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help us understand their values and how we can fit in, plus it’ll give us some great talking points during the chat.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. We want to feel confident and articulate when discussing our passion for supporting children and our understanding of SEND needs.

Tip Number 3

Show off our personality! The school is looking for someone calm and caring, so let that shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight our patience and resilience when working with children.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps us on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant

Psychology Degree
Child Development Knowledge
Emotional Regulation Support
Behaviour Management
Communication Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
Patience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their mental wellbeing. Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to child development and education.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of a Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant. Mention how your skills align with the needs of children with SEND and your approach to creating a supportive environment.

Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. A calm, caring attitude is key, so share examples that showcase your patience and resilience.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s quick and easy, and we’ll be able to process your application faster. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially around child development and emotional regulation. Familiarise yourself with common SEND needs like autism and ADHD, as well as strategies to support children in these areas.

Show Your Passion

During the interview, let your genuine interest in working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, and express why you’re excited about the role of a Teaching Assistant in a primary school setting.

Be Ready for Scenarios

Prepare for situational questions where you might need to demonstrate how you would handle specific challenges, like helping a child with emotional regulation or building confidence. Think of examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your problem-solving skills.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the school’s approach to supporting children with SEND. This shows you’re engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you insight into the school’s values and practices.