Psychology Graduate - Learning Support Assistant

Psychology Graduate looking for relevant experience?

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Gateshead is looking for a Psychology Graduate to join its dedicated support team as a Learning Support Assistant from September.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who is considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health or another child-focused profession.

You'll gain valuable practical experience working directly with children and seeing how psychological principles around child development, behaviour, emotional regulation, communication and learning are applied within a school environment.

About the School

The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children's academic progress, emotional wellbeing and individual development are equally valued.

You'll work alongside experienced teachers, teaching assistants and the school's SENCO, giving you the opportunity to develop your understanding of how schools identify and support children who may experience barriers to learning.

About the Role

As a Psychology Graduate Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils.
• Support children with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD and SEMH.
• Develop positive relationships with pupils and gain an understanding of their individual needs.
• Support children's emotional regulation, communication and social development.
• Encourage positive behaviour using consistent and nurturing strategies.
• Assist with learning interventions designed around individual pupil needs.
• Observe children's behaviour, engagement and progress and share relevant information with teaching staff.
• Support pupils in developing confidence, resilience and independence.
• Work alongside teachers and the SENCO to create an inclusive learning environment.
• Help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Why Is This Ideal for a Psychology Graduate?

This role will give you practical experience in areas directly relevant to psychology, including:

Child Development – Gain first-hand experience of children's cognitive, social and emotional development.

Behaviour – Develop your understanding of behaviour management, triggers, reinforcement and positive behavioural strategies.

SEND – Work with children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and other additional needs.

Emotional Wellbeing – Support children with emotional regulation, confidence and social development.

Observation – Develop your ability to observe behaviour and recognise individual learning and support needs.

Multi-Disciplinary Working – Gain experience working alongside teachers, SENCOs and other professionals.

This Could Be Ideal Before a Career in:

• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Counselling
• Mental Health
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Teaching
• Social Work

We're Looking For

• A degree in Psychology or a closely related subject.
• Genuine interest in child development and mental health.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, patient and empathetic approach.
• An interest in working with children with additional needs.
• Previous experience with children is desirable but not essential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

What Protocol Education Can Offer

• Competitive weekly PAYE pay.
• Free CPD and specialist SEND training.
• A dedicated consultant supporting your career development.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions.
• Access to a wide range of local primary schools.
• £50 Refer-a-Friend scheme.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.

If you're a Psychology graduate looking for hands-on experience with children before taking your next career or postgraduate step, this could be an excellent opportunity.

Apply today with your CV and start building valuable psychology-related experience this September.

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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