Learning Support Assistant

Active Learning Support Assistant | SEMH | South Shields

Location: South Shields

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

Not your typical Teaching Assistant role.

Are you someone who would rather be out on the football pitch than behind a desk?

Protocol Education are looking for an Active Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEMH setting in South Shields.

The school is looking for someone energetic, confident and enthusiastic who can use sport, physical activity and shared interests to engage pupils who may find traditional classroom environments challenging.

This could be the perfect role for a sports coach looking to move into education or an experienced TA who wants a more active role.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Encouraging participation in physical activity
• Supporting classroom learning
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Assisting with PE and sports sessions
• Building relationships through shared interests
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Encouraging positive behaviour
• Developing pupils' confidence and resilience
• Supporting teamwork and communication
• Mentoring pupils
• Encouraging positive choices
• Supporting pupils during break and lunchtime
• Helping young people develop independence

This role would suit someone with experience as a:

• Sports Coach
• Football Coach
• PE Teacher/Assistant
• Sports Graduate
• Fitness Instructor
• Youth Worker
• Teaching Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• Support Worker

You don't need a teaching qualification or extensive school experience.
The right personality and attitude are just as important.

We're looking for someone who is energetic but patient, confident but approachable, and able to maintain clear boundaries while building positive relationships.

DBS requirement

An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is preferred
, but candidates without one are welcome to apply. You will need to be willing and able to apply for a new Enhanced DBS check.

Why Protocol Education?

• Competitive daily pay
• Weekly PAYE payments
• FREE CPD and online training
• Dedicated education consultant
• Long-term and permanent opportunities
• Ongoing support
• £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.