SEND Teaching Assistant - Experience in social work

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our primary SEND team. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in social work who are looking to transition into an educational setting and make a meaningful impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

You will support pupils with a range of needs including autism, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and communication difficulties, helping them to access learning and thrive in a nurturing school environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND
• Assist the class teacher in delivering tailored learning activities
• Support pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural development
• Implement individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support strategies
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and staff
• Monitor and record pupil progress and wellbeing
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in social work or similar fields who can bring transferable skills into education.

Essential:

• Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and resilient in challenging situations
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs

Desirable:

• Background in social work, youth work, or family support
• Knowledge of SEND, particularly autism and SEMH
• Experience in schools or educational settings
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent)

Why Join Us?

• Supportive and inclusive school environment
• Opportunities for training and career progression into teaching or specialist SEND roles
• A chance to make a real difference in children’s lives
• Collaborative and experienced staff team

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 policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.