Psychology Graduate Trainee SEND Support Assistant - Primary School

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain hands‑on experience supporting children with additional needs in a primary school?

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Gateshead is looking for a Psychology Graduate Trainee SEND Support Assistant to join their team and support pupils across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

This is an excellent opportunity if you're considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, CAMHS, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Primary Teaching.

Working alongside experienced teachers and the SENCO, you'll support children with a range of additional needs while developing valuable classroom experience that will help shape your future career.

This friendly Gateshead primary school has a strong commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. Staff work collaboratively to provide tailored support for pupils with a range of additional learning, communication and social needs, creating a positive environment where children feel safe, supported and confident.

The school has a welcoming staff team, excellent leadership and places a strong emphasis on professional development, making it an ideal environment for graduates beginning their careers in education. Gateshead has over 60 primary schools, many with a strong focus on inclusion and SEND provision.

You'll work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and wider support staff to help pupils with SEND access learning and develop confidence.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small intervention groups
• Assisting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs and moderate learning difficulties
• Helping pupils regulate emotions and develop positive behaviour strategies
• Supporting literacy, numeracy and classroom activities
• Using visual resources, structured routines and positive reinforcement
• Encouraging communication, independence and social development
• Monitoring pupil progress and celebrating achievements
• Helping to create a calm, engaging and inclusive learning environment

This is a rewarding, hands‑on role where every day brings new experiences and opportunities to make a genuine difference.

This opportunity would suit someone who is:

• A Psychology graduate (or holds a related degree)
• Passionate about SEND, child development or mental health
• Patient, empathetic and resilient
• Confident building positive relationships with children
• Proactive, adaptable and eager to learn
• Interested in gaining practical experience before progressing into further study or professional training

Previous experience working with children is beneficial but not essential, as full support and guidance will be provided.

• Free access to our Educator CPD Academy, including SEND, safeguarding and behaviour management training
• Ongoing support from your own dedicated consultant
• Competitive weekly pay
• Opportunities for long‑term placements and permanent school roles
• Valuable experience to support careers in psychology, teaching and child development

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references in line with DfE safer recruitment guidance. We offer online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Apply today and begin building the practical experience that will set you apart for a future career in psychology, SEND or primary education.

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. Full assistance provided.

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