Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist (Non-Verbal & High Support Autism)

Location: Hammersmith
Start Date: September 7th 2026
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (Term Time Only)

Long term, temporary position

Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith

Are you a Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduate passionate about understanding the complexities of non-verbal communication and autism spectrum disorder? Do you want to gain hands-on experience supporting students with high-support needs while pursuing a career in Clinical, Educational, or Forensic Psychology?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly agency, is recruiting passionate graduates to work as Graduate Learning Support Assistants in a specialist secondary school in Hammersmith. This role focuses on supporting students with non-verbal autism, profound communication barriers, and high-support needs.

Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith – Education and Training - Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith

The Role: Graduate Learning Support Assistant (Specialist SEN Focus)

This role is ideal for graduates aspiring to become Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, or Mental Health Practitioners. You will work with students who present with:

• Non-Verbal Autism (utilizing PECS, Makaton, and AAC devices)
• High Support Needs requiring 1:1 intervention
• Challenging behaviours linked to sensory overload and communication frustration
• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs intertwined with neurodiversity
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

You will work closely with the school's SEN team, Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT), and Occupational Therapists (OT) to implement tailored support strategies that remove barriers to learning and communication.

Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith – Education and Training - Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith

Your Experience Will Include:

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for non-verbal pupils with high-support autism
• Supporting emotional regulation and implementing sensory circuits/diets
• Using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems and visual supports
• Implementing trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches
• Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners who have communication barriers
• Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care
• Collaborating with therapists to deliver speech and language programs
• Supporting students to develop self-regulation, independence, and social skills

Why This Role Is Valuable Experience for an Aspiring Psychologist

This role provides a direct pathway into:

• Clinical and Educational Psychology (understanding neurodiversity and non-verbal cognition)
• Speech and Language Therapy (communication interventions and AAC)
• Youth Justice and Mental Health (understanding the link between communication and behaviour)

You will develop:

• A strong understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and non-verbal communication strategies
• Practical skills in de-escalation, sensory support, and motivation
• Insight into the link between communication barriers, behaviour, and educational outcomes
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams (SaLT, OT, SENCOs)

Why Join Milk Education?

Training & CPD:

• Free CPD including Autism Awareness, De-escalation, PECS/Makaton awareness, Safeguarding, and Trauma-Informed Practice
• Career-focused development aligned with psychology, speech therapy, and mental health 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 (£108 per day)
• Fast-track registration and compliance
• Flexible working opportunities (term time only)
• 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:

• Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, or Health & Social Care graduates
• Aspiring Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, or Mental Health Practitioners
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
• Graduates passionate about supporting students with non-verbal autism and high-support needs
• Candidates confident in building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
• Those motivated to understand the link between communication, behaviour, and wellbeing

Start Date & Trials:

• Start Date: Monday 7th September 2026
• Trial days will be arranged prior to the start date

Ready to make a difference in Hammersmith?
Click 'Apply Now' or get in touch to find out more about this rewarding opportunity starting in September 2026.

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.

Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith – Education and Training - Graduate Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist – Hammersmith