Teenagers with additional needs deserve high expectations and strong support.
A specialist secondary provision in Sunderland is recruiting a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11–16.
Many pupils have struggled in mainstream schools and benefit from smaller classes, consistent routines and strong relationships with staff.
The Type of Person They’re Looking For
They are looking for someone who is confident working with teenagers and able to build positive professional relationships.
You should be:
• Calm but confident
• Consistent with behaviour expectations
• Comfortable supporting GCSE-level work
• Proactive in lessons
• Resilient when dealing with challenging behaviour
The Pupils
• Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils
• All have EHCPs
• Needs may include SEMH, ADHD, autism and learning difficulties
• Reading ages vary significantly
Daily Expectations
Teaching Assistants are expected to support pupils across multiple lessons each day.
You will:
• Support students during English and maths lessons
• Help pupils stay focused and complete work
• Provide encouragement and redirection when needed
• Support literacy improvement, including spelling corrections
• Assist with behaviour management where required
Lunch & Break Times
Staff supervise structured social activities during lunch, helping pupils develop positive relationships.
End of Day
Students leave around 2:30pm.
Staff remain on site until 4:30pm for administration and reporting.
Behaviour & Safety
The school maintains clear boundaries and high expectations.
• Disruptive behaviour is managed through consistent systems
• Verbal abuse is not tolerated
• Physical incidents are rare
Staff communicate using radios and work closely together to maintain a calm environment.
Experience & Pay
Previous SEN experience is desirable but not essential.
Candidates with backgrounds in youth work, care or mentoring may also be considered and could be appointed on a trainee TA scale.
If you are confident working with young people and interested in specialist education, apply today.
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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