Psychology Graduate - Gain Child Psychology Experience in a Primary School

Want to turn your Psychology degree into practical experience?

A supportive Gateshead primary school is seeking a motivated Psychology Graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant from September.

This role is particularly suited to graduates who want to gain meaningful experience before applying for Educational Psychology training, Clinical Psychology postgraduate courses, Child Psychology roles, mental health positions or other careers working with children.

Rather than simply gaining classroom experience, you'll have the opportunity to develop your understanding of how children learn, communicate, behave and respond to different environments and support strategies.

About the School

The school has a strong commitment to inclusion and pupil wellbeing. Staff work closely together to understand each child's individual needs and provide appropriate support to help them succeed.

You'll join an experienced team and receive support as you develop your skills within the school environment.

Your Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Work closely with pupils who require additional academic, social or emotional support.
• Provide one-to-one and small group assistance.
• Support children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and other additional needs.
• Encourage pupils to develop emotional regulation and positive social skills.
• Support children to manage transitions, routines and changes throughout the school day.
• Help pupils develop confidence and independence.
• Assist teachers in implementing individualised learning and support strategies.
• Observe and communicate relevant changes in behaviour, engagement and wellbeing.
• Support positive behaviour through consistent and child-centred approaches.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Gain Experience That Relates Directly to Psychology

Working in a primary school can provide valuable insight into:

• Child and adolescent development
• Cognitive and social development
• Behavioural psychology
• Emotional regulation
• Neurodiversity
• Autism and ADHD
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Communication and social interaction
• SEND and inclusion
• Safeguarding
• Behavioural observation
• Intervention and support strategies

This experience can be particularly valuable when preparing postgraduate applications and interviews for psychology-related careers.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a Psychology graduate who:

• Holds a Psychology degree.
• Has a genuine interest in working with children.
• Is considering a future career within psychology, education, healthcare or children's services.
• Is empathetic, patient and emotionally resilient.
• Can build positive relationships with children.
• Is confident communicating with teachers and support staff.
• Is willing to learn and take on feedback.
• Has previous experience with children or vulnerable individuals (desirable, but not essential).

What Protocol Education Can Offer

• Competitive weekly PAYE pay.
• Free CPD and specialist training.
• Dedicated consultant support.
• Opportunities to gain experience across primary education and SEND.
• Long-term placements with potential permanent opportunities.
• £50 Refer-a-Friend bonus.
• Ongoing career guidance and support.

If you're a Psychology graduate looking for a role that gives you genuine experience working with children, behaviour, development and wellbeing, apply today.

September starts are available — send your CV to be considered.

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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