Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant 

Aspiring Psychologist / Educational Psychologist / Clinical Psychology Pathway – Learning Support Assistant

Are you currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in psychology?

Do you want a role where your empathy, observation skills and patience can directly impact a young person’s development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing?

We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist education setting in Stockton-on-Tees This role offers meaningful, hands-on experience supporting children and young people with autism, communication differences, sensory processing needs and learning disabilities.

The school provides a structured environment with clear routines and support systems, while also requiring flexibility — no two days are the same, and staff must be able to adapt to pupils’ changing emotional and behavioural needs in the moment. This balance of structure and fluidity is key to supporting autistic learners effectively.

You will work within a small class team, providing personalised support to help pupils develop independence, emotional regulation, communication skills and confidence.

Why this role is ideal for Aspiring Psychologists

This position provides direct exposure to key areas of psychology, including child development, behaviour analysis, emotional regulation and neurodiversity.

You will gain valuable insight into:

• How autistic children experience the world, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences and reliance on routine
• Supporting pupils who may be non-verbal or use alternative communication methods (PECS, visual supports)
• Understanding triggers behind behaviours and responding using calm, structured and consistent approaches
• Adapting in real time when situations change, behaviours escalate or pupils become dysregulated
• Applying trauma-informed and person-centred strategies in real-world settings
• Observing how anxiety, overstimulation or change impacts behaviour and learning
• Working alongside multi-disciplinary teams including therapists, SEN specialists and external professionals
• Building trust and positive relationships with children who may initially find interaction challenging

You’ll experience both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with autistic children — from celebrating small breakthroughs to supporting pupils through moments of distress with patience, consistency and care.

Many candidates use this role to confirm whether a future in educational psychology, clinical psychology, child psychology or mental health support is the right pathway.

What you will be doing

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis throughout the school day
• Helping children follow structured routines while remaining flexible to their needs
• Promoting communication, independence and life skills through tailored activities
• Supporting sensory needs (e.g. movement breaks, quiet spaces, sensory tools)
• Assisting with personal care, feeding or mobility where required (full training provided)
• Encouraging emotional regulation using positive, consistent strategies
• Responding calmly to challenging behaviour and adapting support approaches when needed
• Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
• Helping pupils remain safe, engaged and supported during learning and social situations

Your consistency, adaptability and calm approach will play a key role in each child’s progress.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience in care, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
• A strong interest in psychology, mental health or SEND education
• Curiosity about behaviour and child development
• Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team
• Ability to work within both structured routines and more fluid, unpredictable situations
• Willingness to support with personal care when required

You do not need prior school-based experience — your attitude, empathy and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Full training is provided as part of your onboarding.