At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners with additional needs in a vibrant primary school setting.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a Central Bristol primary school.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives from the start of their learning journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in EYFS or SEND is preferred; patience and empathy are key.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential permanent position.
Location: Central Bristol (BS2)
Pay: £13.74 - £14.50 per hour (PAYE)
Contract: Full-time, Long-Term
Start Date: ASAP
Got a knack for calming chaos and celebrating the little wins? We’re looking for a kind, patient, and proactive TA to join a brilliant Reception team in a Central Bristol primary school. You’ll be supporting a range of additional needs, including Speech and Language Delay, Autism, and Social Emotional Difficulties right from the start of their learning journey.
What your day might look like:
- Supporting pupils to access play-based learning
- Helping children with speech and language challenges communicate their needs
- Building trust with pupils who find social interactions tricky
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to provide consistent, compassionate support
We’re after someone who:
- Has experience in EYFS or SEND (or both!)
- Brings patience, energy, and emotional intelligence
- Understands how early support can shape a child’s whole school journey
- Is ready to be the steady, supportive presence that makes all the difference
Why join Protocol Education?
- Weekly PAYE pay (no umbrella deductions)
- FREE access to our CPD Academy (including Thrive training)
- Dedicated SEND consultant who listens, supports, and delivers
- Roles that really let you make an impact
Thrive trained? Brilliant. Not yet? No worries we’ll get you signed up for free. It’s a fantastic toolkit, and schools love seeing it on your CV.
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.
SEN LSA employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN LSA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to supporting children with additional needs. We want you to shine when it’s your time to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping children! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help potential employers see your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that perfect SEN LSA role.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN LSA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with additional needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your patience and understanding – it’ll make your application stand out!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your experience in EYFS or SEND, and don’t forget to mention any training like Thrive that you’ve completed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Reception team. Be genuine, and don’t hesitate to express how you can contribute to creating a supportive learning environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SEN Teaching Assistant and the specific needs you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with common challenges like Speech and Language Delay and Autism. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences, especially if you've worked in EYFS or SEND settings. Think about times when you've successfully supported children with additional needs. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewer a clear picture of how you can contribute to their team.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, emotional intelligence is key. Be prepared to discuss how you build trust with pupils and handle social interactions. Share strategies you've used to calm chaos and celebrate small wins, as this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for in a candidate.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting children with additional needs or how they foster collaboration between TAs and teachers. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.