This role isn’t easy — but it is incredibly rewarding.
If you understand that challenging behaviour often comes from unmet needs…
If you can stay calm, patient, and consistent when others might step back…
And if you’re motivated by seeing real, hard-earned progress…
Then this could be the role that truly makes a difference — for both you and the pupils you support.
Protocol Education is working with a specialist SEMH provision in Darlington, looking for a confident and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team.
What makes this role stand out?
This isn’t about ticking boxes or sticking rigidly to lesson plans.
It’s about:
Building trusting relationships with pupils who may have struggled in mainstream settings
Creating a sense of stability, safety, and routine
Supporting young people to re-engage with education at their own pace
Here, every breakthrough matters — no matter how small it might seem.
What your day could look like:
Supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs
Helping students manage emotions, de-escalate situations, and refocus
Working 1:1 or in small groups to support both learning and wellbeing
Collaborating with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals
Acting as a consistent, calm, and reliable presence throughout the day
We’re looking for someone who:
Has experience with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour (school or alternative settings)
Remains calm and patient, even in high-pressure situations
Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils
Has resilience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting young people
Brings a sense of humour and perspective — every day is different!
Why work with Protocol Education?
Weekly PAYE pay — no umbrella companies
Free access to our CPD Academy (including SEMH-focused training)
A dedicated consultant who supports you throughout
Long-term roles in specialist, supportive settings
Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour and pastoral support
Important Information:
All applicants must have (or be willing to obtain):
An enhanced DBS check (with Update Service subscription)
Relevant experience or qualifications for the role
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will be subject to safeguarding checks in line with DfE guidance, including an online search as part of our due diligence.
This is a temporary role, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
Ready to make an impact where it really counts?
If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely change lives — and grow your own skills in the process — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and be part of something meaningful
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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