Graduate 1:1 Learning Support Assistant – SEN Primary School

Are you a graduate looking to build valuable experience working with children with additional needs?

A specialist SEN primary school in Gateshead is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Graduate 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to join their dedicated team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate looking to gain hands-on experience within a specialist education setting. You’ll provide tailored 1:1 support to a pupil, helping them access learning, develop their independence and build confidence throughout the school day.

This role would be particularly suited to graduates considering careers in Psychology, Education, Teaching, Educational Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or other SEND-related professions.

Location: Gateshead
Role: Graduate 1:1 Learning Support Assistant
Setting: Specialist SEN Primary School
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Long-term, with potential for a permanent position

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to a pupil throughout the school day
• Supporting the pupil to access lessons and classroom activities
• Helping adapt activities to meet their individual learning needs
• Encouraging confidence, independence and positive engagement
• Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour where required
• Helping the pupil manage transitions between activities and different areas of the school
• Building a trusting and positive relationship with the pupil
• Working closely with the class teacher and wider SEN team
• Following individual support plans and contributing to the pupil’s progress

Who We're Looking For

We’re particularly interested in graduates who are passionate about child development, SEND, behaviour and education.

A degree in Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Sociology, Criminology, Health & Social Care or a related subject would be highly desirable, although graduates from other disciplines with relevant experience will also be considered.

We're looking for someone who is:

• A recent graduate or someone with a relevant degree
• Passionate about supporting children and young people
• Calm, patient and empathetic
• Confident building positive relationships with children
• Interested in SEND, behaviour and child development
• Able to adapt their communication to meet individual needs
• Reliable, proactive and willing to learn
• Comfortable working as part of a wider SEN team

Previous experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential. Experience through volunteering, placements, tutoring, youth work, care work or other relevant settings would be beneficial.

Why This Role?

This is more than just a first step into education — it’s an opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting a child with additional needs.

You’ll develop practical skills in:

• SEND support
• Behaviour and emotional regulation
• Communication
• Differentiated learning
• Building professional relationships
• Supporting independence
• Understanding individual learning needs

The experience could provide an excellent foundation for graduates looking to progress into teaching, educational psychology, clinical psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social care or other child-focused careers.

Why Work With Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella companies
• FREE access to our CPD Academy, including SEND, Autism, Safeguarding and Behaviour Management
• Support from a dedicated education consultant
• Opportunities across a wide range of SEN schools and education settings
• Potential long-term and permanent opportunities
• Valuable experience to strengthen your CV and future career applications
• Refer a Friend scheme with rewards for successful recommendations

Safeguarding

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to the appropriate DBS checks and satisfactory references, in line with DfE guidance.

If you're a graduate passionate about making a difference and looking to gain valuable SEN experience, apply today!

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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