At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with anxiety and learning needs, helping them thrive in education.
- Company: Primary school in Durham focused on personalised learning and emotional support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, consistent hours, and hands-on experience in education.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates seeking to explore careers in educational psychology or related fields.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience for a future career in psychology or therapy.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 29000 £ per year.
Are you a graduate or currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy? Do you want a role where your empathy, patience and resilience can genuinely transform the educational experience of young people who struggle to access school?
We are recruiting several Learning Support Assistants on behalf of Primary Schools in Durham. This role provides valuable, hands-on experience supporting children who experience anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (school refusal), autism, communication differences and additional learning needs. Many pupils come from a range of backgrounds and have struggled to engage with mainstream education due to anxiety, past negative experiences in school, or complex emotional needs. Your role will be to help rebuild their confidence, trust in education and sense of safety in learning environments.
You will work within a small, supportive class team where the focus is on personalised learning, emotional regulation and relationship building, helping pupils gradually re-engage with education at their own pace. This role starts September 2026, working Monday to Friday, term time only, 8.30am to 3.30pm making it ideal for graduates or support professionals seeking consistent experience within education.
Pay: £107.17 per day
The school is easily accessible with good transport links, and driving is advantageous with parking available nearby.
Why this role is ideal for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists or Occupational Therapists:
- This position provides direct experience with children experiencing anxiety, trauma, school avoidance and additional learning needs, which is highly relevant for careers in psychology, therapy and SEND education.
- You will gain valuable insight into:
- Supporting children with emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety
- Building trust with pupils who have struggled in traditional education settings
- Using trauma-informed and person-centred approaches
- Understanding behaviour linked to anxiety, emotional regulation and past experiences
- Working within a multi-disciplinary team including teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Helping pupils rebuild confidence, routine and engagement with learning
- Supporting young people from diverse social, cultural and educational backgrounds
Many graduates use this role to confirm whether a career in educational psychology, youth justice, occupational therapy, mental health support or SEND education is the right pathway for them.
What you will be doing:
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups throughout the school day
- Helping children who experience anxiety or school refusal feel safe and supported in the classroom
- Building positive relationships with pupils who may initially struggle to trust adults in education settings
- Encouraging communication, confidence and emotional regulation
- Supporting structured activities that promote independence and life skills
- Helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
- Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
- Encouraging engagement with learning through patience, consistency and positive reinforcement
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant Durham
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Dive into local psychology associations or student groups; they often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities. This is a great way to connect with professionals and others in the field who might know of entry-level openings at places like AMA Admin.
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with mental health charities or community services. This not only boosts your CV but also opens doors to potential job leads and connections, which could point you in the direction of entry-level roles, including those at AMA Admin.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you’re still at uni or a recent grad, make the most of your career services. They can help connect you to internships or even entry-level jobs that might not be widely advertised yet, so keep checking in with them!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest openings at AMA Admin. Direct applications can sometimes give you a better shot than relying solely on job boards. Get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Insights:In the psychology field, your academic background is super important! Make sure your CV highlights relevant courses, projects, and any specialised training you’ve had. If you've done research or completed a thesis, include that too – it shows your engagement with the field!
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:For an entry-level role, your cover letter is your chance to showcase your enthusiasm for psychology. Talk about why you're keen on the role at AMA Admin and how it aligns with your career goals. Share any relevant volunteering experiences or internships that add to your passion and readiness to learn.
Include Your Skills and Tools:Make sure your CV mentions any psychological assessment tools or software you’ve used, as they're crucial in showing your practical understanding of the field. If you’ve done any workshops or received certifications related to psychology, they’re worth including!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for entry-level positions, ensure your CV doesn’t go overboard with unrelated details. Focus on relevant experiences that showcase your skills, and keep it within one page if you can! We're all about clear, concise applications at StudySmarter, and we think AMA Admin would appreciate that too.
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Show Off Your Passion for Psychology
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for the field during the interview. Share specific examples of what drew you to psychology—be it a pivotal moment in your studies or a particular area that fascinates you, like cognitive behavioural therapy or developmental psychology. This shows that you're not just seeking any job; you're genuinely invested in this career path.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In psychology, your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios is crucial. Be ready for questions like, 'How would you approach a client showing signs of anxiety?' Practise your responses to such scenarios, as this will demonstrate your critical thinking and practical application skills in the field.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
As an entry-level candidate, your research skills can set you apart. Bring along any relevant coursework or projects that involved research methodologies or data analysis. Mentioning specific tools or software you’ve used for your research (like SPSS or NVivo) can show you're ready to contribute effectively right from the start.
✨Emphasise Willingness to Learn
As you're looking for an entry-level role, highlighting your eagerness to learn and grow is key. Share how you've actively sought out extra learning opportunities during your studies, whether that’s attending workshops or engaging in volunteer work. This makes it clear to AMA Admin that you’re not just stagnating post-graduation—you’re primed for growth in the field.
