Not every child communicates with words… but every child has something to say.
If you’re someone who understands that communication goes far beyond talking, this role will feel incredibly rewarding.
We’re working with a specialist setting looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Autism (ASD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). The focus? Helping students develop their communication skills, whether that’s through speech, signs, symbols, or small, powerful moments of connection.
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What your day might look like:
* Supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups with ASD and PMLD
* Encouraging communication using tools like PECS, Makaton, or sensory cues
* Helping students build confidence with verbal and non-verbal expression
* Working alongside therapists, teachers, and SEN specialists
* Creating a calm, structured environment where students feel safe to engage
* Celebrating progress that might seem small to others, but means everything here
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We’re looking for someone who:
* Has experience with ASD, PMLD, or complex needs
* Understands different communication styles, verbal and non-verbal
* Brings patience, empathy, and consistency (your calm energy is key)
* Is happy supporting personal care where needed
* Wants to make a genuine, lasting impact
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Why this role stands out:
This is one of those roles that stays with you.
You’re not just supporting learning, you’re helping students find their voice, in whatever form that takes. And when that breakthrough happens? There’s nothing quite like it.
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What you’ll get with Protocol Education:
* Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies, no faff
* FREE access to our CPD Academy
* Ongoing SEND-focused training and development
* A consultant who understands specialist settings
* Opportunities in schools that truly value support staff
* Referral scheme, bring a friend and earn rewards
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Ready to get started?
If you’re nodding along thinking this is exactly why I got into education, we’d love to hear from you.
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Quick one before you go… are you Thrive trained?
If not, we’ll get you set up with our free Thrive training. It’s a brilliant way to deepen your understanding of emotional development and stand out in specialist SEND settings.
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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