Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs Provision

Looking to start a meaningful career in education supporting pupils who need specialist care and understanding?

A specialist school in the Sunderland area is seeking a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 4-16 years with Autism Spectrum Condition, complex communication needs, physical disabilities and sensory processing differences.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to begin a career supporting children with additional needs while learning alongside experienced SEN professionals.

The Type of Person They Are Looking For

The school values personality and attitude just as much as experience. They are particularly interested in candidates who are:

• Patient and calm when supporting pupils who require additional reassurance
• Naturally caring and attentive
• Confident engaging with pupils who communicate in different ways
• Open to learning specialist SEN strategies
• Able to build strong and trusting relationships with pupils

Many pupils rely heavily on routine and familiar staff, so consistency and reliability are extremely important.

Experience Requirements

Previous experience working in schools or care settings is desirable but not essential.

The school regularly supports candidates who are new to the education sector, and successful applicants may begin on a trainee teaching assistant pay scale while developing their skills.

Applicants from the following backgrounds often do well in this environment:

• Care work or support work
• Youth work or sports coaching
• Psychology or education graduates
• Nursery or childcare roles
• Healthcare assistants

Full support and training will be provided.

Daily Responsibilities

Teaching assistants are expected to be fully involved throughout the school day.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting pupils during classroom lessons and structured learning activities
• Assisting pupils with communication systems such as visual timetables or communication aids
• Supporting sensory-based learning activities
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence and confidence
• Helping pupils regulate emotions and remain engaged in learning

You will work closely with teachers, therapists and other support staff to ensure each pupil receives personalised support.

Supporting Complex Needs

Many pupils within the school have additional physical or medical needs, and teaching assistants may also assist with:

• Mobility and positioning equipment
• Personal care routines
• Supporting pupils during therapy sessions

Full training in moving and handling will be provided where required.

Classroom Environment

Classes are typically small, often 6-8 pupils, with a high level of staff support.

Learning often includes:

• Sensory exploration
• Communication development
• Practical learning activities
• Structured play and engagement sessions

The focus is always on helping pupils develop independence and confidence at their own pace.

Training Opportunities

Staff receive ongoing professional development including:

• Autism awareness training
• Communication strategies
• Behaviour support techniques
• Safeguarding training
• Moving and handling support

This makes the role a fantastic starting point for a long-term career in SEN education, therapy or psychology.

Apply Today

If you are patient, enthusiastic and interested in developing a career supporting children with additional needs, this could be the perfect role for you.

Apply today to find out more about this Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in Sunderland.

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.

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