Job Title: Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon
Location: Hillingdon, West London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Salary: £108 - £120 per day
Sector: Education and Training (SEN Support)

Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon
Education and Training – Clinical & SEN School Experience

Kickstart Your Psychology Career in a Clinical & SEN Setting

Are you a recent graduate with a passion for autism, communication, and child development? Do you want to build a strong foundation for a future career in Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, or Mental Health services?

We are currently seeking dedicated Autism Support Assistants to join specialist SEN schools across Hillingdon. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain frontline, paid experience supporting autistic pupils—including those with non-verbal communication and complex sensory needs—within a structured educational environment that sits at the intersection of education and clinical practice.

Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon

Clinical & Psychological Elements of This Graduate Placement

This role offers unique exposure to clinical practice in an educational setting. You will gain practical insight into:

• Clinical Observation & Assessment: Work alongside qualified professionals to observe and document behavioural, emotional, and developmental presentations in autistic children.
• Mental Health & CAMHS Pathways: Understand how children's mental health needs present in school settings and how referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are initiated.
• Speech & Language Therapy (SALT): Support speech therapists in delivering communication interventions and using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Assist with sensory integration strategies, fine motor skill development, and daily living tasks under the guidance of OTs.
• Behavioural Analysis & Intervention: Use principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to understand behaviour as communication and implement evidence-based interventions.
• Psychoeducation & Emotional Regulation: Support pupils in developing insight into their own emotions and co-regulate during periods of distress or sensory overload.
• Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Working: Attend team meetings and case reviews with psychologists, therapists, and SENCOs to contribute to holistic care and education plans.

Why This Graduate Placement Is Perfect for Your Career Path

This role provides the "real-world" clinical experience that postgraduate courses and employers value. You will develop:

• A deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions and their psychological impact.
• Skills in therapeutic communication and rapport-building with vulnerable children.
• Knowledge of safeguarding protocols and clinical governance.
• Confidence in managing crisis situations using de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches.
• Practical experience that strengthens applications for Clinical Psychology Doctorates, Educational Psychology training, and Therapy Masters programmes.

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex needs.
• Help students navigate the school day, managing transitions and sensory overload.
• Implement visual schedules, structured routines, and sensory diets to foster independence.
• Work collaboratively with Teachers, SENCOs, Speech & Language Therapists, OTs, and visiting Clinical Psychologists.
• Use de-escalation techniques and relationship-based support to build trust and confidence.
• Record observations on pupil behaviour, emotional regulation, and communication progress to inform clinical and educational reviews.
• Act as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience.

About You

We are looking for empathetic, resilient, and proactive graduates with a keen interest in the clinical aspects of child development and mental health. While experience in care, youth work, mentoring, or coaching is a plus, we prioritise attitude over experience—full training is provided. You must be:

• Passionate about making a tangible difference in a child's life.
• Able to remain patient and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• A strong communicator with a genuine interest in psychology, clinical practice, education, or neurodiversity.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Keen to learn about clinical assessment, intervention, and multi-disciplinary working.

Apply Today

This is a full-time graduate placement starting in September 2026. It is an ideal stepping-stone for those considering further study or careers in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Behaviour Therapy
• Psychiatry or Paediatric Nursing

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.

Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist - Graduate Placement Hillingdon