Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist Autism Provision

Location: Gateshead

Some pupils don’t need louder instructions. They need clearer structure.

A specialist provision in Gateshead is seeking a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 7–12 with autism spectrum conditions and associated communication needs.

This setting supports pupils who have found mainstream education challenging. The environment is calm, predictable and highly structured, allowing pupils to learn at a pace that works for them.

Consistency is key, and staff play a crucial role in helping pupils feel safe and understood.

The Type of Person They’re Looking For

The school is looking for someone who is steady, approachable and genuinely interested in working with children who require additional support.

They are particularly interested in someone who is:

• Calm and patient under pressure
• Confident following structured routines
• Comfortable supporting children with communication difficulties
• Proactive rather than passive in lessons
• Open to ongoing training and feedback

The school is not necessarily looking for someone with years of experience. Personality, reliability and willingness to learn are just as important.

The Pupils

You will be supporting pupils who:

• Are aged between 7 and 12
• All have EHCPs
• May have diagnoses including ASD, ADHD or moderate learning difficulties
• Have a wide range of reading and communication levels

Classes are small, usually between 6–10 pupils, with multiple adults supporting each group.

Daily Expectations & Routine

Morning Arrival (8:30am–9:00am)

Pupils arrive gradually, and staff support structured morning routines. This includes greeting pupils, reviewing visual timetables and supporting emotional readiness for the day.

Some pupils require a quiet start to the day before beginning academic learning.

Classroom Support

You will work closely with the class teacher to support learning across the day.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting literacy and phonics sessions
• Helping pupils complete maths activities using practical resources
• Reinforcing instructions and expectations
• Providing real-time feedback on written work
• Supporting transitions between activities

Teaching Assistants are expected to be active in the classroom, moving around and engaging with pupils rather than observing from the back.

Lunch & Social Interaction

Lunch is supervised and structured. Staff eat alongside pupils and support positive social interaction.

After eating, pupils take part in organised activities where staff continue building relationships and encouraging appropriate communication.

End of Day

Pupils leave at approximately 2:30pm.

Staff remain until around 4:00pm to complete:

• Behaviour logs
• Safeguarding updates
• Progress notes
• Staff discussions and planning

Behaviour & Boundaries

The school operates clear behaviour expectations.

• Low-level swearing linked to frustration is redirected
• Verbal abuse towards staff or pupils is not tolerated
• Physical incidents are rare but managed through calm de-escalation

Staff are supported by senior leaders and experienced SEN practitioners.

Team Teach training may be offered to long-term staff.

Experience & Pay Scale

Experience working with SEN pupils, in schools or care settings, is desirable but not essential.

The school is open to candidates with transferable skills and may appoint on a trainee TA scale where appropriate. Ongoing training and mentoring are provided.

If you are patient, reliable and interested in supporting pupils within a specialist environment, apply today or contact us for further information.

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.

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