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About Us
Protocol Education is a leading education recruitment agency across the UK, specializing in connecting primary, secondary, and special educational needs (SEND) schools with dedicated classroom professionals. With deep local roots in Leeds and West Yorkshire, Protocol Education works as a trusted partner to primary academies, community schools, and faith institutions across postal sectors (including LS15, LS18, LS26, and LS27).
Our mission is to empower local schools with passionate teaching assistants, learning support staff, and higher-level educators who foster safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.
Job Overview & Key Responsibilities
As a Primary Teaching Assistant in Leeds, you will play a vital role alongside class teachers in early years foundation stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 (KS1), or Key Stage 2 (KS2) classrooms. You will support general classroom flow, deliver targeted academic interventions, and provide tailored 1:1 assistance to pupils with additional learning or special educational needs (SEND), such as autism and ADHD.
Key Responsibilities
- Classroom Delivery: Assist class teachers with lesson setup, resource distribution, and maintaining a structured, calm learning environment.
- Targeted Interventions: Lead small-group reading, phonics, and basic numeracy sessions to boost academic progress for pupils who need extra help.
- 1:1 & SEND Support: Provide personalized support for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), neurodiverse needs, or behavioral challenges.
- Behavior Management: Reinforce positive behavior management policies, helping pupils regulate emotions and stay focused during tasks.
- Progress Tracking: Observe pupil progress, keep notes on educational milestones, and report feedback directly to class teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo).
Requirements & Desired Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 6 months recent experience working within a primary school, nursery, or similar child-centered environment.
- Education & Certifications: Strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4 or above). Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification or HLTA status is highly advantageous.
- Safeguarding & DBS: An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one with Protocol Education assistance).
- Core Competencies: Strong interpersonal communication, patience, empathy, adaptability across different key stages, and proactive classroom management.
- Work Eligibility: Legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
Job Role Comparison Table
| Feature / Aspect | Volunteer Classroom Helper | Primary Teaching Assistant (Protocol) | Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) |
| Primary Focus | General reading support & casual task assistance | 1:1 SEND support, small group interventions & class prep | Full class teaching cover, PPA cover & lesson planning |
| Compensation | Unpaid / Voluntary | £92.63 – £120.00 per day (PAYE) | £110.00 – £140.00 per day (PAYE) |
| Level of Responsibility | Low supervision responsibilities | Medium: 1:1 EHCP management & group leadership | High: Full class management in teacher absence |
| Required Experience | None / General interest | 6+ months school or childcare experience | Advanced qualifications + extensive TA background |
Key Benefits of This Role
- Competitive Daily Rates: Earn between £92.63 and £120.00 per day processed transparently via weekly PAYE (no umbrella company deductions).
- Flexibility & Choice: Access short-term supply, long-term block bookings, or permanent pathways across Leeds primary schools.
- Free Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Free online training modules including Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, Team Teach, and SEND support.
- Dedicated Local Consultant: Direct support from a dedicated Leeds-based recruitment consultant who manages your calendar and placements.
- Holiday Pay Included: Statutory holiday pay (12.07%) is included transparently in all quoted pay rates.
How to Prepare a CV for This Position
- Highlight School-Based Experience First: Place your classroom experience right at the top, detailing specific Key Stages (EYFS, KS1, KS2) and primary school settings you have worked in.
- Detail SEND Knowledge: Explicitly mention experience supporting neurodivergent conditions (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, SEMH) or implementing 1:1 EHCP targets.
- List Relevant Training: Include credentials such as Level 2/3 TA Certificates, First Aid, Safeguarding, Phonics schemes (e.g., Read Write Inc.), or Team Teach.
- Quantify Your Impact: Mention group intervention sizes or specific achievements (e.g., “Led daily guided reading interventions for groups of 5 pupils, improving phonics pass rates”).
Career Guide Tips for Growth
- Master Core Intervention Schemes: Gain familiarization with standard primary intervention tools like Read Write Inc., White Rose Maths, and Color Cards to make yourself indispensable to Leeds schools.
- Transition to HLTA or QTS: Use long-term TA placements to build portfolio evidence toward a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status or a university PGCE / School Direct teaching route.
- Build SEND Specialization: Complete accredited training in speech and language therapy support (SALT) or behavior de-escalation to access higher-paying SEND support roles.
How to Prepare for the Interview
- Understand Safeguarding Principles: Be prepared to answer scenario questions regarding child protection, keeping children safe in education (KCSIE), and reporting procedures.
- Research the Local School Context: Familiarize yourself with primary education challenges and demographics in Leeds area schools.
- Prepare Concrete Intervention Examples: Have clear stories ready that show how you managed a difficult behavioral scenario or helped a struggling pupil grasp a key literacy concept.
Top 3 Interview Questions & Guidance
1. “How would you handle a situation where a child with SEND becomes overwhelmed or disengaged during a lesson?”
How to answer: Focus on de-escalation and empathy. Explain that you observe early warning triggers, use quiet and clear instructions, offer sensory tools or a short movement break, and follow the child’s individual behavior support plan.
2. “How do you build a effective working relationship with a class teacher who has an established routine?”
How to answer: Emphasize proactive communication, adaptability, and active listening. Mention asking for key daily objectives before lessons begin, giving brief progress feedback at break times, and supporting established classroom rules consistently.
3. “If a pupil confides a personal disclosure to you, what steps do you take?”
How to answer: State unequivocally that you never promise secrecy. Reassure the child calmly, listen without asking leading questions, write down exact quotes as soon as possible, and report the matter immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Salary Insight
- Daily Pay Rate: £92.63 – £120.00 per day (varies by experience level, role responsibilities, and school budget).
- Payroll Scheme: Weekly PAYE payment schedule ensuring complete tax transparency with no hidden agency admin fees.
- Contract Types: Day-to-day supply, short-term cover, long-term maternity/sickness cover, and temp-to-perm contracts.
How to Apply
To register and apply for Primary Teaching Assistant positions with Protocol Education in Leeds:
- 🌐 Online Registration: Submit your details via the official Protocol Education portal at
[www.protocol-education.com](https://www.protocol-education.com). - 📍 Branch Location: Servicing primary schools across Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.
- 📑 Registration Requirements: Proof of UK right to work, Enhanced DBS clearance on the Update Service, and 2 professional references.
Disclaimer
This job summary and career preparation guide has been independently structured for candidate recruitment support purposes. Protocol Education retains all primary rights to its job postings, candidate selection criteria, and pay structures. Candidates should confirm exact pay rates, school locations, and compliance requirements directly with their assigned Protocol Education consultant.