Job Title: Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton
Role: Student Support Mentor (SEMH & Vulnerable Learners)
Location: Hillingdon | Pay: £115.90/day | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: September 2026 (with additional roles available throughout the academic year)

Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer

Are you a Criminology or Psychology Graduate with a passion for youth justice, social justice, and working with vulnerable and challenging children? This is your opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people at risk of exclusion, persistent absence, and criminal exploitation—while building a strong foundation for a career in youth justice, forensic psychology, or social work.

earning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton – Education and Training - Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton

The Role: Learning Support Assistant in Hillingdon

Based within a secondary school in Hillingdon, you will work closely with the pastoral, SEN, and teaching teams to support the most vulnerable pupils. Many of these students present with:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
• Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
• Undiagnosed SEN or additional learning needs
• Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning
• Sensory processing difficulties and motor skill challenges

Your role will be to help these students regulate their emotions, rebuild trust, develop functional independence, and re-engage with education. You will work 1:1 and in small groups, using trauma-informed, relational, and restorative approaches to support behaviour change and improved outcomes.

earning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton – Education and Training - Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton

What You Will Gain:

This role offers exceptional experience for graduates pursuing careers in:

• Youth Justice
• Probation Services
• Forensic Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Social Work
• Mental Health and Therapy

Your daily experience will include:

• Mentoring vulnerable pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
• Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour
• Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
• Using restorative practice and de-escalation techniques
• Delivering sensory breaks and movement-based interventions
• Supporting students with fine motor difficulties and functional independence
• Assisting with transitions and daily school routines
• Gaining exposure to safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour management
• Building trusting, consistent relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners
• Understanding the link between trauma, behaviour, and social inequality

Why This Role Is Invaluable for Your Career:

You will develop:

• A deep understanding of adolescent behaviour, SEMH, and the psychology of offending
• Insight into how trauma, poverty, and systemic disadvantage impact young people
• Practical skills in mentoring, motivation, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice
• Knowledge of sensory processing and OT-informed interventions
• A critical understanding of social justice and early intervention as a tool for diversion from the criminal justice system

What We Offer:

Training & CPD

• Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness
• Training in sensory integration and OT-informed approaches
• Career-focused development aligned with youth justice, criminology, and therapy pathways

Wellbeing & Support

• Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
• A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals

Benefits for You

• Competitive daily pay (£115.90)
• Fast-track registration and compliance
• Flexible working opportunities
• 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
• Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)
• FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials
• 24/7 consultant support
• Work with the UK's only eco-friendly education supply agency
• Nationwide network of schools and trusts

Who We're Looking For:

• Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
• Aspiring Youth Justice Officers, Probation Officers, Forensic Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, or Mental Health Practitioners
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
• Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs and advocating for social justice
• Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing to divert young people from the criminal justice system
• Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
• Those with an interest in sensory processing, motor development, and how daily activities support mental health
• A genuine commitment to working with vulnerable and challenging children and a belief in restorative and relational practice

Apply Now

Click 'Apply Now' to be considered for the September 2026 intake in Hillingdon. Interviews and trial days will take place in August/September 2026.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton – Education and Training - Learning Support Assistant - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer West Drayton