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- Tasks: Support young people with additional needs in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, a supportive organisation dedicated to improving educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, flexible opportunities, and referral bonuses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent placement and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
If you’re passionate about supporting young people who need a little extra guidance, this SEND Support Assistant position in Sunderland could be a perfect fit. The school is looking for someone compassionate, confident and ready to help pupils feel settled, understood and able to learn.
A look at your role as a SEND Support Assistant:
- You’ll work with pupils in KS3 and KS4 who have a range of additional needs, helping them feel confident in class, regulating emotions and building independence.
- You’ll be joining a welcoming SEND team who focus on positive relationships, consistency and pupil wellbeing.
- Your support might include in-class help, small-group work or one-to-one sessions.
Your day-to-day impact as a SEND Support Assistant:
- Providing personalised support to pupils with SEND
- Encouraging engagement, resilience and emotional regulation
- Assisting with routines and transitions around school
- Supporting teachers with behaviour strategies
- Communicating effectively with SEND staff and pastoral teams
- Building trust and rapport with pupils who rely on stability
You’ll be ideal for this SEND Support Assistant role if you have:
- Experience supporting young people with SEND, SEMH or behavioural needs
- A calm, warm and proactive approach
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Confidence supporting pupils with varied and sometimes complex needs
- An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply
What you’ll gain through Protocol Education:
- Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella costs
- Free SEND, SEMH and behaviour CPD
- A dedicated consultant supporting you from start to finish
- Referral bonuses
- Flexible opportunities across local SEND and mainstream schools
About Us:
Protocol Education is part of the Supporting Education Group, a family of organisations committed to improving outcomes for schools and pupils. This partnership gives us greater expertise, stronger resources and a wider support network for educators. We work closely with secondary schools across Sunderland to place compassionate SEND staff who genuinely make a difference. Everything we do is people-first, honest and supportive.
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.
SEND Support Assistant - Sunderland (Secondary) employer: Protocol Education
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Support Assistant - Sunderland (Secondary)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. 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 SEND support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to showcase your passion and skills confidently!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your warmth and compassion shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with pupils and be a supportive presence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Support Assistant - Sunderland (Secondary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the SEND Support Assistant role. Use keywords from the job description and relate your skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively, so we can quickly see how you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values, which can help you craft an even stronger application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the different types of needs, especially SEMH and behavioural challenges. This will show that you're not just passionate but also informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past. Highlight moments where your calm and warm approach made a difference. This will help the interviewers see your genuine commitment to pupil wellbeing.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with teachers and SEND staff to create a supportive environment for pupils.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting SEND pupils or how the team fosters positive relationships. This shows your interest and eagerness to be part of their community.
