Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – SEN Learning Support Assistant

Pertemps Education Network; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is seeking an Aspiring Clinical Psychologist to join an Independent SEN School in Kingston upon Thames as a Learning Support Assistant. This full- or part-time role offers hands-on experience with children who have autism, communication and emotional needs.

The ideal candidate is a psychology graduate or aspiring clinician, keen to develop practical SEN skills while studying or pursuing postgraduate study.

Qualifications

• Psychology graduate or current student aiming for clinical psychology.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential.
• Interest in supporting children with ASC, language and social needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group learning and pastoral support.
• Support pupils with autism, speech and language needs, and other learning difficulties.
• Encourage communication, social interaction and independence.
• Assist with behaviour regulation and emotional regulation strategies.
• Follow individualised learning and support plans.
• Collaborate with teachers and specialist staff to understand pupil needs.

Skills

Psychology background

Communication skills

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Psychology degree

MSc in Psychology/Clinical/Child Psychology

Job description

Aspiring Clinical Psychologist - SEN Learning Support Assistant

Location: Kingston upon Thames

School Type: Independent SEN School

Hours: Full-time or Part-time considered

Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Daily rate: £108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate or aspiring Clinical Psychologist looking to gain valuable hands‑on experience working with children and young people with complex additional needs?

An independent SEN school in Kingston upon Thames is looking for a compassionate, motivated and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join its specialist team.

Full-time and part-time applicants will be considered, making this an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking relevant experience alongside further study or other commitments.

The school supports pupils with a range of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), speech and language needs, communication difficulties, social and emotional needs and associated learning difficulties.

Why This Role Could Be Ideal for an Aspiring Clinical Psychologist

This position offers the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in a specialist SEN environment, working closely with teaching staff and other professionals to understand and support the individual needs of children and young people.

You will develop practical experience in:

• Supporting children and young people with autism and complex SEN.
• Understanding individual differences in communication, behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Building therapeutic and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Supporting social, emotional and communication development.
• Observing how individualised support strategies are implemented.
• Working alongside teachers, SEN professionals and Speech and Language Therapists.
• Supporting pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Using structured approaches to encourage engagement, independence and positive development.
• Contributing to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

This role would suit candidates who are considering careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, Counselling Psychology, SEN or other child-focused professions.

You may be:

• A Psychology graduate seeking relevant experience before postgraduate study.
• Studying towards a MSc in Psychology, Clinical Psychology or Child Psychology.
• An aspiring Clinical Psychologist looking to develop experience with children and young people.
• A graduate interested in autism, neurodevelopment, communication or behavioural support.
• An experienced SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking to develop their specialist knowledge.

Previous experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential for the right candidate. What matters most is a genuine interest in child development, psychology and supporting individuals with additional needs, alongside patience, resilience and excellent interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group learning and pastoral support.
• Support pupils with autism, speech and language needs and associated learning difficulties.
• Encourage communication, social interaction and independence.
• Support pupils to regulate emotions and engage positively with learning.
• Follow individualised learning and support plans.
• Work closely with teachers and specialist staff to understand pupils' needs.
• Implement appropriate strategies to support communication, behaviour and engagement.
• Develop positive professional relationships with pupils.
• Maintain a calm, consistent and nurturing approach.
• Contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to pupil support.

What You'll Gain

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a strong foundation of relevant psychological and SEN experience while working directly with children and young people.

You will gain exposure to the practical challenges of supporting pupils with complex needs and develop transferable skills in observation, communication, behaviour support, relationship building, emotional regulation and multidisciplinary working.

Full-time and part-time applications are welcomed.