Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist

Pertemps Education Network; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network in Kingston upon Thames, London invites applications for the role of Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist. You will support pupils aged 3–19 with SEMH, communication needs and a range of SEN in a therapy‑led environment.

This hands‑on role offers exposure to restorative approaches, collaboration with speech and language therapy and a pathway toward Clinical/Educational Psychology careers.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with SEMH and complex needs.
• Ability to support speech and language development and communication.
• Strong teamwork with teaching staff and therapists.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH, autism and communication needs in class.
• Assist with routines, transitions and behaviour management.
• Collaborate with speech and language therapists and teachers.

Skills

Pastoral support

SEMH awareness

Autism support

Student communication

Education

Degree in Psychology or Criminology

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

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.

Main Needs Supported Within the School

• 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.