Do you want a role where your work genuinely matters? Are you someone who knows that communication isn’t always about words, and that every small breakthrough is worth celebrating? We’re working with a specialist setting in South Shields that supports pupils across primary and secondary ages with a range of additional needs. This is a school built on kindness, patience and understanding, where every child is supported to find their voice, in their own way. You’ll be joining a team that values consistency, emotional safety and celebrating progress, no matter how small it may seem. Role overview: As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll support pupils with Autism and communication needs, helping them access learning in a way that works for them. You’ll work closely with teaching staff and therapists to create a calm, structured environment where pupils feel safe, understood and ready to engage. Key responsibilities: Support pupils with Autism and speech, language and communication needs Use visual aids, structured routines and sensory strategies to support learning Work 1:1 and in small groups across both primary and secondary classes Encourage social interaction and emotional regulation Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff Support transitions throughout the school day Requirements: Experience working with children or young people, SEN experience is a bonus A calm, patient and empathetic approach Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt your style A genuine passion for inclusive education Not Thrive trained yet? No problem. Protocol Education offers free Thrive training to help you build your confidence and stand out to schools. 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.