Learning Support Assistant - Autism & Complex Needs

AMA Admin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,450 - 22,140; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist school in East London, supporting pupils aged 3-19 with autism, learning disabilities, and complex communication needs. This is a full-time role with immediate start.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups, delivering individual plans and using approaches such as visual supports, AAC, Makaton, and PECS to promote communication, independence, and life skills.

Qualifications

• A degree in psychology, education, occupational therapy, speech and language, sociology, criminology, or related field.
• Experience caring for vulnerable individuals or in youth support environments is a plus.
• Genuine interest in autism, child development, communication and therapeutic education.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with autism and complex needs.
• Deliver and support individual education plans with class teachers.
• Encourage communication using visual supports, AAC, Makaton and PECS.
• Assist with transitions, routines and social interactions.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Degree in psychology/education

Experience with vulnerable individuals

Interest in autism and child dev

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or education or related

Job description

Learning Support Assistant | Autism & Complex Needs | Tower Hamlets / East London

£100-£120 per day | Full-Time | Immediate Start & September 2026

Want experience that actually moves your psychology or therapy career forward?

Postgraduate applications in educational psychology, forensic psychology and occupational therapy are competitive. What panels want to see isn't just a degree — it's real, documented experience working with complex young people in specialist environments.

This setting offers exactly that, and then some.

Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants for one of East London's established specialist schools — a highly supportive provision working with pupils aged 3-19 with autism, learning disabilities, and complex communication needs. The school provides a structured, nurturing environment where staff are supported to develop their skills and make a meaningful difference.

The setting

Based in Tower Hamlets, this specialist school supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, including autism, communication difficulties, and complex learning needs.

The school provides a calm, inclusive, and collaborative environment where pupils receive personalised support to develop their communication, independence, confidence, and life skills.

For anyone looking to progress into educational psychology, autism research, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or wider child-focused careers, this role offers valuable hands‑on experience working alongside experienced educators and specialist professionals.

What the role involves

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with autism, learning disabilities, and complex communication needs
• Supporting the delivery of individual education and support plans alongside class teachers
• Encouraging communication development through approaches such as visual supports, AAC, Makaton, and PECS
• Helping pupils manage transitions, routines, and social interactions
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and wider multidisciplinary teams
• Building consistent, trusting relationships with young people who benefit from structure and familiarity

Why this role works for your career

If you are working towards a career in any of the following, this role provides valuable experience:

• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• CAMHS / Child Mental Health
• SEMH / Autism Research
• Youth Work or Social Care

You will gain experience implementing evidence-based strategies, supporting individual needs, and contributing to a multidisciplinary environment.

Experienced SEND Learning Support Assistants are also encouraged to apply. If you have experience within specialist education, autism settings, or support work, this could be an excellent opportunity to continue developing your career.

Who we're looking for

Graduate candidates

• A degree in psychology, education, occupational therapy, speech and language, sociology, criminology, or a related subject
• Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, support work, or volunteering with vulnerable individuals
• A genuine interest in autism, child development, communication, and therapeutic education
• Patient, resilient, and able to build