Job Title: Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington
Location: Islington, North London
Start Dates: September 7th or September 14th, 2026
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm (Full-time)
Contract: Term Time Only
Sector: Education and Training (SEN Support)

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington

Kickstart Your Psychology Career in a Specialist SEN Setting

Are you a Psychology graduate or an experienced Learning Support Assistant looking to build a career in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Mental Health?

Are you motivated to support autistic children and young people with high support needs, including non-verbal pupils and those with complex communication and sensory profiles?

We are currently recruiting Learning Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools across Islington. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain frontline, paid experience supporting autistic pupils with significant communication, sensory, and regulation needs within a structured educational environment.

About the Role

This setting supports autistic children and young people who require consistent, high-quality support due to:

• Non-verbal communication – using AAC (PECS, Makaton, and high-tech devices)
• High support autism – requiring 1:1 support, visual structures, and tailored interventions
• Sensory processing differences – needing sensory diets and environmental adaptations
• Complex communication needs – requiring alternative and augmentative communication approaches
• Emotional regulation challenges – needing calm, consistent co-regulation and de-escalation

Your role will focus on providing patient, nurturing, and consistent support, enabling students to feel safe, regulated, and engaged in learning.

You'll work in a supportive setting with a strong focus on:

• Communication development (verbal and non-verbal)
• Sensory regulation and environmental adaptations
• Relationship building and trust
• Personalised learning approaches
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Start Dates

We are recruiting for the following full-time intakes:

• September 7th, 2026
• September 14th, 2026

Early application is recommended to secure your preferred start date.

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington

Why This Role Is Ideal for Aspiring Psychologists

This position is perfect for those considering careers in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Behaviour Therapy
• Autism and Neurodevelopmental Support

You will gain hands-on experience in:

• Supporting non-verbal pupils using AAC and visual communication strategies
• Understanding high support autism and its impact on behaviour, communication, and learning
• Implementing sensory diets and regulation strategies under the guidance of OTs
• Using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to understand behaviour as communication
• Building trust and rapport with autistic children and young people
• Multi-disciplinary working with Speech & Language Therapists, OTs, and Clinical Psychologists
• Recording observations to inform clinical and educational reviews
• Applying trauma-informed and person-centred approaches in practice

A Focus on Social Justice & Educational Equity

This role is rooted in a social justice framework – recognising that autistic children with high support needs and non-verbal pupils often face significant barriers to inclusive education and equal opportunities. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Champion the right of every child to access meaningful education, regardless of communication ability or support needs.
• Advocate for pupils whose voices are often unheard, ensuring their needs, preferences, and strengths are central to their learning journey.
• Work to reduce educational inequality by providing tailored, consistent support that enables pupils to thrive.
• Challenge assumptions about ability and potential, fostering a culture of high expectations and genuine inclusion.
• Contribute to breaking down systemic barriers that autistic children with complex needs often encounter in education and society.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, including non-verbal students
• Using AAC (PECS, Makaton, visual schedules) to facilitate communication
• Implementing sensory diets and structured routines to promote regulation
• Helping students manage transitions, sensory overload, and emotional distress
• Building consistent, positive relationships with autistic children and young people
• Working closely with Teachers, SENCOs, OTs, SALTs, and visiting Clinical Psychologists
• Promoting independence, confidence, and engagement in learning
• Recording observations on behaviour, communication, and regulation progress

What We're Looking For

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Are a Psychology graduate or have relevant experience in care, youth work, or support roles
• Have a genuine interest in autism, communication, and child development
• Are patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Are passionate about supporting children with high support needs and non-verbal pupils
• Share a commitment to social justice, inclusion, and educational equity

No school-based experience is required — your attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington

Apply Today

This is a full-time role starting on September 7th or September 14th, 2026 — ideal for those considering further study or careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Autism support services.

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough 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.

Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Islington

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