Psychology and SEN Learning Support Assistant

Pertemps Education Network; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is partnering with an independent Speech and Language SEN School to recruit a Psychology & Autism Learning Support Assistant. This role offers valuable hands-on experience supporting children with autism and related speech and language needs in a specialist educational setting.

The position welcomes Psychology graduates or those with a keen interest in educational psychology, clinical psychology or speech and language therapy.

Qualifications

• Psychology graduate or related discipline preferred.
• Interest in autism, neurodevelopment, and speech/language difficulties.
• Experience with supporting children with additional needs is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism and speech, language and communication needs.
• Support children with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and learning development.
• Implement individual learning strategies under guidance of teaching staff and specialists.
• Use patient, nurturing approach to support pupils with verbal communication and sensory processing needs.
• Encourage independence and engagement through structured activities and play-based approaches.
• Collaborate with teachers, SLTs and other professionals to support individual pupil targets.
• Assist with classroom routines and create an inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Psychology degree

Autism awareness

1:1 support

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Psychology & SEN Learning Support Assistant

Independent Speech and Language SEN School

Full Time or Part Time

Term Time Only

£108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate or an aspiring educational, clinical or child psychologist looking to gain valuable hands‑on experience supporting children with additional needs?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with an independent specialist Speech and Language SEN School to recruit a passionate and dedicated Psychology & Autism Learning Support Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate or someone with a genuine interest in autism, child development, speech and language difficulties and special educational needs to gain practical experience within a specialist educational setting.

Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists and support professionals, you will play an important role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop their communication skills and build confidence, independence and social interaction.

The Role:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism and speech, language and communication needs.
• Support children with their communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and learning development.
• Implement individual learning strategies and communication programmes under the guidance of teaching staff and specialists.
• Use a patient, nurturing and consistent approach to support pupils who may experience difficulties with verbal communication, social interaction and sensory processing.
• Encourage independence, confidence and engagement through structured learning activities and play‑based approaches.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals to support individual pupil targets.
• Assist with classroom routines and create a positive, inclusive and engaging learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate:

• A Psychology graduate (or a graduate in a related discipline such as Child Development, Education or Speech and Language).
• A genuine interest in autism, neurodevelopment and speech and language difficulties.
• Previous experience supporting children or young people with additional needs is advantageous but not essential.
• An understanding of autism, communication differences and individual learning needs.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient, with the ability to build positive relationships with children.
• A proactive individual who is keen to learn and develop their understanding of specialist education.
• Interested in pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, SEN teaching or a related profession.

Why Apply?

• Valuable hands‑on experience within an independent specialist SEN school.
• Opportunity to develop practical knowledge of autism and speech and language needs.
• Work alongside experienced educators and specialist professionals.
• Excellent experience for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists.
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to build a career within special educational needs.