Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Clinical Psychologist

Pertemps Education Network; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

PD opportunities

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is seeking a Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant in Kingston upon Thames to support pupils with SEMH, autism and communication needs, fostering emotional wellbeing and inclusive learning.

The role offers hands-on experience in a specialist SEN environment, with opportunities to apply restorative and trauma-informed approaches and develop skills relevant to future careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, therapy and SEN support.

Job description

Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Clinical Psychologist

Location: Kingston upon Thames, London

Contract: Full-time, term-time only

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

Start Date: ASAP

Pay: £108.35 per day

Are you passionate about understanding and supporting young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in an SEMH setting while exploring a future career as a Clinical or Educational Psychologist?

About the School

An independent SEN school in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a motivated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant / Aspiring Clinical Psychologist to join its dedicated team.

The school supports students aged 3-19 with a range of special educational needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours.

The main needs supported within the school include:

• Severe and complex speech and language difficulties Pupils may experience difficulties with expressive language, understanding spoken language, speech sound production and social communication.
• Autism-related needs Many pupils require support with social interaction, flexible thinking, sensory processing, emotional regulation and understanding social cues.
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) Pupils may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation and difficulties managing change, often linked to communication barriers.
• Learning differences linked to communication needs While many pupils have average or above-average cognitive ability, communication needs can significantly impact access to the curriculum, literacy and academic progress.
• Sensory processing differences Pupils may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to noise, light, touch or movement and benefit from carefully structured, low-arousal learning environments.
• Executive functioning and independence needs Pupils may require support with organisation, attention, planning, transitions and developing independence skills.

Overall, pupils benefit from a highly specialist, therapy-led approach, integrating education with speech and language therapy, strong pastoral support, predictable routines and personalised strategies. The school is committed to helping students communicate effectively, access learning and develop socially and emotionally.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience with restorative and trauma-informed approaches and developing skills relevant to future careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, therapy or specialist SEN support.

What We Offer

• Hands-on experience supporting vulnerable and disengaged young people.
• Valuable exposure to SEMH, Autism, communication needs and specialist SEN provision.
• Opportunities to develop knowledge of restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience relevant to future careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, therapy and specialist SEN support.
• A supportive, specialist school environment where you can make a genuine difference every day.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK