Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant

Milk Education; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible days and hours

Milk Academy CPD

CPD courses provided

Wellbeing resources

Shortlisted schools network

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking an Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant in Stockton-on-Tees to support children with autism and SEND within a structured school environment.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups, helping pupils follow routines, develop communication and life skills, and adapt to changing needs with patience and empathy. Training is provided, and CPD opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in care, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
• A strong interest in psychology, mental health or SEND education
• Curiosity about behaviour and child development
• Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team
• Ability to work within structured routines and more fluid, unpredictable situations
• Willingness to support with personal care when required

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis throughout the school day
• Helping children follow structured routines while remaining flexible to their needs
• Promoting communication, independence and life skills through tailored activities
• Supporting sensory needs (e.g. movement breaks, quiet spaces, sensory tools)
• Assisting with personal care, feeding or mobility where required (full training provided)
• Encouraging emotional regulation using positive, consistent strategies
• Responding calmly to challenging behaviour and adapting support approaches when needed
• Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
• Helping pupils remain safe, engaged and supported during learning and social situations

Skills

Empathy

Observation skills

Patience

Teamwork

Communication skills

Flexibility

Job description

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant

Aspiring Psychologist / Educational Psychologist / Clinical Psychology Pathway – Learning Support Assistant

Are you currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in psychology?

Do you want a role where your empathy, observation skills and patience can directly impact a young person’s development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing?

We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist education setting in Stockton-on-TeesThis role offers meaningful, hands‑on experience supporting children and young people with autism, communication differences, sensory processing needs and learning disabilities.

The school provides a structured environment with clear routines and support systems, while also requiring flexibility — no two days are the same, and staff must be able to adapt to pupils’ changing emotional and behavioural needs in the moment. This balance of structure and fluidity is key to supporting autistic learners effectively.

You will work within a small class team, providing personalised support to help pupils develop independence, emotional regulation, communication skills and confidence.

Why this role is ideal for Aspiring Psychologists

This position provides direct exposure to key areas of psychology, including child development, behaviour analysis, emotional regulation and neurodiversity.

You will gain valuable insight into:

• How autistic children experience the world, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences and reliance on routine
• Supporting pupils who may be non‑verbal or use alternative communication methods (PECS, visual supports)
• Understanding triggers behind behaviours and responding using calm, structured and consistent approaches
• Adapting in real time when situations change, behaviours elevate or pupils become dysregulated
• Applying trauma‑informed and person‑centred strategies in real‑world settings
• Observing how anxiety, overstimulation or change impacts behaviour and learning
• Working alongside multi‑disciplinary teams including therapists, SEN specialists and external professionals
• Building trust and positive relationships with children who may initially find interaction challenging

You’ll experience both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with autistic children — from celebrating small breakthroughs to supporting pupils through moments of distress with patience, consistency and care.

Many candidates use this role to confirm whether a future in educational psychology, clinical psychology, child psychology or mental health support is the right pathway.

What you will be doing

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small‑group basis throughout the school day
• Helping children follow structured routines while remaining flexible to their needs
• Promoting communication, independence and life skills through tailored activities
• Supporting sensory needs (e.g. movement breaks, quiet spaces, sensory tools)
• Assisting with personal care, feeding or mobility where required (full training provided)
• Encouraging emotional regulation using positive, consistent strategies
• Responding calmly to challenging behaviour and adapting support approaches when needed
• Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
• Helping pupils remain safe, engaged and supported during learning and social situations

Your consistency, adaptability and calm approach will play a key role in each child’s progress.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience in care, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
• A strong interest in psychology, mental health or SEND education
• Curiosity about behaviour and child development
• Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team
• Ability to work within both structured routines and more fluid, unpredictable situations
• Willingness to support with personal care when required

You do not need prior school-based experience — your attitude, empathy and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Full training is provided as part of your onboarding.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp‑to‑perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast‑track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture‑matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long‑term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.
• This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

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

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.