Autism Teaching Assistant | Sunderland | Full Time

Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours
Pay: £98–£120 per day, depending on experience

Every pupil is different. Could you adapt your approach to help them thrive?

Protocol Education are recruiting for an Autism Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist or SEND provision in Sunderland.

You'll support pupils who may need additional help with communication, learning, social interaction, sensory regulation and independence.

The role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting to know individual pupils and understanding what motivates them.

Your responsibilities could include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils access lessons and activities
• Supporting communication and interaction
• Encouraging social development
• Supporting sensory and emotional regulation
• Helping pupils manage transitions
• Breaking tasks down into manageable steps
• Encouraging independence
• Supporting positive behaviour
• Building confidence and self-esteem
• Working closely with teachers and other professionals
• Supporting pupils during less structured parts of the day

Previous experience supporting autistic children or young people would be highly beneficial.

We'd also consider applicants with backgrounds in:

• SEND
• Childcare
• Care
• Youth work
• Healthcare
• Residential support
• Sports coaching
• Mentoring

You don't necessarily need a formal TA qualification — your experience, attitude and ability to build relationships are just as important.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Patient and compassionate
• Calm and consistent
• Observant
• Adaptable
• Reliable
• Confident building relationships
• Passionate about helping pupils become more independent

Why Protocol Education?

• Competitive daily rate
• Weekly PAYE pay
• FREE CPD and online training
• Dedicated consultant
• SEND training opportunities
• Long-term and permanent opportunities
• £50 Refer a Friend bonus

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.