Psychology, Autism & Challenging Behaviour Learning Support Assistant

Pertemps Education Network; City Of London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting a Psychology, Autism & Challenging Behaviour Learning Support Assistant for a welcoming Lambeth primary school in South London. The role focuses on supporting pupils with autism and additional needs in a nurturing classroom environment.

Ideal candidates will have a Psychology degree or relevant SEN experience, with a passion for Educational Psychology pathways. This is a full-time, term-time position starting ASAP with ongoing support from a dedicated

Qualifications

• A degree in Psychology, Child Psychology, Education or a related subject or relevant experience with SEN.
• Experience working with children or young people with autism, additional needs or challenging behaviour.
• Understanding of positive behaviour management and emotional regulation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with difficult-to-understand needs.
• Calm, adaptable, proactive approach to challenging situations.
• Genuine interest in child development, neurodiversity and inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support for primary pupils with autism and additional learning needs.
• Support children displaying challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies.
• Help pupils manage transitions, routines and access learning in a structured environment.
• Implement individual support strategies aligned with EHCPs and SENCO guidance.
• Develop pupils’ communication, social interaction, independence and confidence.
• Support children with sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation during changes to routine.
• Build positive relationships with pupils while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, parents and professionals to support progress and wellbeing.

Skills

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Psychology, Autism & Challenging Behaviour Learning Support Assistant

Location: Lambeth, South London
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, term-time only
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate passionate about supporting children with autism and additional needs?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Lambeth to recruit a dedicated Psychology, Autism & Challenging Behaviour Learning Support Assistant. This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate, aspiring Educational Psychologist, or experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking to gain valuable, hands‑on experience supporting primary‑aged children with special educational needs.

The successful candidate will support pupils who may have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication and interaction difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), and behaviours that challenge. You will play an important role in helping children regulate their emotions, develop communication skills, engage with learning and build positive relationships within the school environment.

This position would particularly suit someone interested in pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Behaviour Support or Special Educational Needs.

The Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support for primary‑aged pupils with autism and additional learning needs.


• Supporting children who display challenging behaviour, using positive behaviour support strategies to promote emotional regulation and engagement.


• Helping pupils manage transitions, follow routines and access learning in a structured, supportive environment.


• Implementing individual support strategies in line with pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and guidance from the school's SENCO and teaching staff.


• Developing pupils' communication, social interaction, independence and confidence.


• Supporting children who may experience sensory sensitivities, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with changes to routine.


• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.


• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, parents and other professionals to support pupils' progress and wellbeing.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a patient, resilient and proactive individual who is genuinely passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning. The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in Psychology, Child Psychology, Education or a related subject, or relevant experience supporting children with SEN.


• Experience working with children or young people with autism, additional needs or challenging behaviour, either in a school, specialist setting or relevant support environment.


• An understanding of positive behaviour management, emotional regulation and the importance of consistent boundaries.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with children who may struggle to communicate their needs.


• A calm, adaptable and proactive approach when responding to challenging situations.


• A genuine interest in child development, neurodiversity and inclusive education.


• Graduates with relevant experience, aspiring psychologists and experienced SEN Learning Support Assistants are encouraged to apply.

Why Apply?

• Gain valuable practical experience in a mainstream primary school supporting children with autism and additional needs.


• Develop transferable skills relevant to Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, SEN teaching and behaviour support.


• Work alongside experienced teachers and SEN professionals.


• Make a meaningful difference to children's educational outcomes, emotional development and independence.


• Secure a full-time, long-term opportunity with the potential to develop your experience within the education sector.


• Receive ongoing support from your dedicated education recruitment consultant at Pertemps Education Network.