Trainee Teaching Assistant – SEN Support
Location: Sunderland
Role: Full Time, Term Time Only
Ready to start a career in education but not sure where to begin?
A welcoming specialist school in the Sunderland area is looking for a Trainee Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team and work with pupils who have Special Educational Needs including Autism, ADHD and moderate learning difficulties.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to gain hands-on classroom experience while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in education.
Pupils within the school are aged 7–16 years, and classes are small with a strong focus on building relationships and supporting individual learning needs.
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The Type of Person They Are Looking For
The school is keen to find someone enthusiastic, approachable and willing to learn.
They are not necessarily looking for the most experienced candidate, but someone who is:
• Warm and supportive with young people
• Confident speaking to pupils and staff
• Positive and willing to learn new skills
• Able to build strong relationships with students
• Interested in developing a career in education
The school places huge value on staff who show genuine care and patience with pupils.
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Experience Requirements
Previous experience working in schools is desirable but not essential.
The school is happy to support candidates who may be starting their career in education, and roles may begin on a trainee teaching assistant pay scale while experience and confidence are developed.
Successful candidates often come from backgrounds such as:
• Youth work
• Care or support work
• Sports coaching
• Psychology or education graduates
• Nursery or childcare settings
Full training and guidance will be provided.
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Daily Responsibilities
Teaching Assistants are expected to be actively involved in lessons and student support.
Your responsibilities may include:
• Supporting pupils during lessons and classroom activities
• Working with small groups who need additional support
• Helping pupils stay focused and engaged in learning
• Supporting literacy and numeracy development
• Encouraging positive behaviour and engagement
You will work closely with class teachers to ensure pupils receive the support they need.
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Classroom Environment
Classes are typically between 6 and 10 pupils, allowing staff to provide personalised support.
Many pupils benefit from:
• Structured routines
• Visual learning resources
• Practical learning activities
• Additional support with communication and behaviour
Teaching assistants play a key role in helping pupils feel confident in lessons.
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Behaviour & Support
The school takes a calm and supportive approach to behaviour management.
Staff focus on:
• Positive reinforcement
• Building relationships with pupils
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Encouraging confidence and independence
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Training Opportunities
Staff are supported through ongoing professional development including:
• SEN training
• Behaviour management strategies
• Safeguarding training
• Communication and autism awareness
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Apply Today
This role would suit someone energetic, patient and passionate about supporting young people.
If you would like to begin a rewarding career in education, apply today to learn more about this Trainee Teaching Assistant opportunity in Sunderland.
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.