SEND Support Assistants - Graduates Wanted in Sunderland

Want to make an application? Make sure your CV is up to date, then read the following job specs carefully before applying.

Just finished uni and ready to do something that actually makes a difference? Come and support pupils with special educational needs in schools across Sunderland. It’s meaningful, hands-on, and a brilliant step into education, psychology, youth work, or wellbeing roles.

Whether you’re from Fulwell, Pallion, Ryhope, Roker, Hendon, or anywhere across the city, we’ve got Sunderland schools looking for graduates who bring kindness, patience, and a willingness to learn.

What you’ll be doing:

• 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs
• Helping children navigate routines, emotions, and sensory challenges
• Boosting learning in small groups or classrooms
• Working closely with teachers and SENDCOs who value what you bring
• Celebrating all the “small wins” that mean everything

It’s varied, rewarding, and full of moments that stay with you.

Availability (Important):

Because schools rely on consistency for SEND support, we ideally need people who can commit to five days a week during term time. If you’re only available three days, no problem, we can still consider you as long as you’re happy to be on call for those days. Flexibility is key, and we’ll talk through how it works so you feel confident.

Where you could be working:

We support brilliant schools across:

• Sunderland City Centre
• Seaburn & Fulwell
• Pennywell & Ford Estate
• Grangetown & Hendon
• Ryhope & Doxford Park
• Hylton Castle & Castletown

If it’s Sunderland, chances are we’ve got a school there that needs someone like you.

Perfect for graduates in:

• Psychology
• Education
• Health and wellbeing
• Social sciences
• Childhood studies
• Youth or community work

Or anyone who wants a role where you feel valued and actually enjoy coming in each day.

What you get with Protocol Education:

• Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
• Free access to our CPD Academy
• Free Thrive training, which massively boosts employability in SEND settings
• A consultant who listens and finds roles that suit your goals
• Brilliant experience that looks great on future applications

Ready to get started?

If you’re a graduate who wants real experience, proper support, and a role where you can genuinely change lives, let’s get you into a Sunderland school that feels right for you.

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.