Psychology Graduates & SEN Teaching Assistants – LS9 / LS8
Real classroom experience, meaningful SEN support, and a brilliant step towards your future career
Role: Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Location: LS9 and LS8, East Leeds
Start Date: January 2026
Contract: Full-time, term time only
Are you a psychology graduate or aspiring SEN Teaching Assistant looking to gain hands-on experience with young people? Thinking about a future in educational psychology, teaching, counselling, CAMHS, or SEND leadership, and want experience that actually counts?
We’re working with welcoming secondary schools in LS9 and LS8 who are looking for calm, caring, and committed individuals to join their SEN support teams from January 2026. These are schools that value relationships, consistency, and staff who genuinely care about making a difference.
The role
You’ll be supporting pupils aged 11 to 16 with a range of additional needs, including:
* Autism
* ADHD
* Dyslexia
* Speech and communication needs
* Social, emotional, and mental health needs
Support may be 1:1 or in small groups, helping students regulate emotions, access learning, and feel safe and supported in school. No two days are the same, but the impact you make is very real.
Who this role suits
* Psychology graduates looking for practical SEN experience
* Aspiring teachers, educational psychologists, counsellors, or SEND professionals
* Graduates taking a gap year before further study
* Experienced SEN or support staff wanting a full-time, stable role
* Anyone calm, patient, and passionate about supporting young people
A TA Level 3 qualification or SEN experience is ideal, but not essential. Schools will provide training and support, especially if you bring the right attitude and energy.
Contract details
* Start date: January 2026
* Full-time, Monday to Friday
* Working hours: 8:15am to 3:15pm
* Term time only, in line with the local authority calendar
* Around 16 weeks holiday per year
Why work with Protocol Education
* Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
* Free access to our online CPD and training academy
* Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
* Flexible opportunities across SEN, mainstream, and specialist settings
* Refer a friend scheme with rewards for successful referrals
If you want a role where you’ll learn fast, feel supported, and make a genuine difference to young people’s lives, this could be a great next step.
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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