Learning Support Assistant - Psychology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist

Learning Support Assistant - Psychology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist (High Support Autism & Non-Verbal)

Location: Islington
Start Date: September 2026 (Position start dates: 7th September & 14th September)
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm (Term Time Only)

Learning Support Assistant - Psychology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist Islington

Are you a Psychology or Criminology Graduate in Islington looking to gain hands-on experience with high-support needs?

Are you an aspiring Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, or Educational Psychologist wanting to understand the intricacies of non-verbal communication and complex autism?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting graduates to work in an Islington secondary school, specifically focusing on students with High Support Autism and Non-Verbal communication needs.

The Role: Learning Support Assistant (Specialist SEN Focus)

We are looking for resilient, empathetic graduates to support students with profound communication barriers and sensory needs. This role is ideal for those pursuing careers in Clinical, Educational, or Forensic Psychology.

Your focus will be on students with:

• Non-Verbal Autism (utilizing PECS, Makaton, and AAC devices).
• High Support Needs requiring 1:1 intervention.
• Challenging behaviours linked to sensory overload and communication frustration.
• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs intertwined with neurodiversity.
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

You will work closely with the school's SEN team, Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT), and Occupational Therapists (OT) to implement tailored support strategies.

Your Experience Will Include:

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for non-verbal pupils with high support autism.
• Supporting emotional regulation and implementing sensory circuits/diets.
• Using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems and visual supports.
• Implementing trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches.
• Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners who have communication barriers.
• Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care.
• Collaborating with therapists to deliver speech and language programs.

Why This Role Is Valuable Experience

This role provides a direct pathway into:

• Clinical and Educational Psychology (understanding neurodiversity).
• Speech and Language Therapy (communication interventions).
• Youth Justice and Mental Health (understanding the link between communication and behaviour).

You will develop:

• A strong understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and non-verbal cognition.
• Practical skills in de-escalation, sensory support, and motivation.

Why Join Milk Education? Training & CPD

• Free CPD including Autism Awareness, De-escalation, PECS/Makaton awareness, and Safeguarding.
• Career-focused development aligned with psychology and mental health pathways.

Wellbeing & Support

• Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling).
• A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals.

Benefits for You

• Competitive daily pay (£108/day).
• Fast-track registration and compliance.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses).
• FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials.
• 24/7 consultant support.
• Work with the UK's only eco-friendly education supply agency.

Who We're Looking For:

• Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Health & Social Care graduates.
• Aspiring Psychologists, Mental Health Practitioners, Youth Workers, or OTs.
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals.
• Graduates passionate about supporting students with High Support Autism.
• Candidates confident building relationships with non-verbal or challenging learners.

Trial Days & Interviews:

• All trial days will commence in September 2026.
• Position Start Dates: Monday 7th September & Monday 14th September 2026.
• Interviews will be arranged to suit your availability.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.