At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with autism and additional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Outstanding specialist school in Sunderland focused on inclusion and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, free training, and local consultant support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or a passion to learn; calm and empathetic approach.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent position and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 22000 £ per year.
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £89–£108 per day
Contract: Full-time, Long-Term
Start Date: September 2025
We’re working with an outstanding specialist school in Sunderland that supports young people aged 11–19 with autism and a wide range of additional learning needs. The setting is calm, inclusive, and built around helping every learner build confidence, communication, and independence.
This isn’t just about classroom support. It’s about connection. It’s about believing in potential and being part of a team that puts kindness and aspiration at the heart of everything they do.
You’ll be joining a school where staff are trusted, supported, and given the space to grow—just like the pupils.
The role includes:
- Supporting students with autism and associated needs in a structured, nurturing setting
- Promoting emotional regulation and positive communication
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, and families to build joined-up support
- Helping pupils develop not just academically, but socially and personally too
You should have:
- Experience working with SEND or a genuine passion to learn
- A calm, empathetic approach and good sense of humour
- Confidence to adapt in a dynamic, pupil-led environment
- Thrive-trained? Fantastic. If not, don’t worry—we’ll cover your free Thrive training to boost your skills and show schools you mean business.
Why work with Protocol Education?
- Weekly PAYE pay—no umbrella deductions
- FREE access to CPD and Thrive training
- Local, consultant-led support and school insight
- Specialist roles that match your values, not just your CV
Think this could be the one? Apply now or drop us a message—we’ll talk you through it and help you get started.
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 Teaching Assistant in Sunderland employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with supporting students with autism and additional needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! Bring your calm, empathetic approach to the table during interviews. Remember, it’s all about connection and believing in potential—let that be your guiding light.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and ensures you’re in the loop for any updates. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEND shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference and how you connect with the values of kindness and aspiration.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission to help every learner thrive!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone with a calm, empathetic approach and a good sense of humour, so show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!
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. Familiarise yourself with autism and additional learning needs, and think about how you can support students in a nurturing environment. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your calm and empathetic approach. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with students or helped them overcome challenges. This will show that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
The interviewers will likely want to see how you handle dynamic situations. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to adapt your approach based on a pupil's needs. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to learn, especially if you haven't had formal training yet.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students and how they foster a positive environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.