Teaching Assistant - SEND Kingston (Background Social Work)

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated professional from a social work background who is looking to transition into the field of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is an exciting opportunity for someone who already has strong safeguarding knowledge, experience supporting vulnerable children and families, and a desire to make a meaningful impact within education.

You will work closely with students with additional needs, supporting their learning, emotional wellbeing, and development. The role offers an excellent pathway for professionals who want to apply their social care expertise in an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to implement support plans
• Support the development and delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies
• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed at all times
• Contribute to reviews, reports, and support planning meetings

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who are looking to pivot into SEND from social work or a related field.

You will ideally have:

• A background in social work, family support, youth work, or safeguarding
• Experience supporting vulnerable children, young people, or families
• Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding practices
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A compassionate, patient, and resilient approach
• Interest in developing knowledge of SEND and inclusive education

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice
• Experience working with children with autism, ADHD, SEMH, or learning difficulties
• Experience contributing to multi-agency meetings and assessments

What We Offer

• A supportive environment for professionals transitioning into SEND
• Ongoing training and professional development in SEND practice
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced SEN specialists and education professionals
• Clear pathways for career progression within education and specialist support roles
• A role where your social work experience directly supports children's educational outcomes

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.