At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory regulation and communication.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £108 per day and hands-on experience in a specialist environment.
- Other info: Term-time role with excellent opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience for your future career in Occupational Therapy or related fields.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduate with empathy and a passion for supporting diverse learning needs.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 23760 £ per year.
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist Autism & PMLD School (Severe Needs & Non-Verbal Students)
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Islington
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm (term time only)
Interviews & Trial Days: Available from summer 2026
Are you a Psychology Graduate in Islington looking to build hands-on experience before progressing into Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, or another therapeutic career? Do you want a role that goes beyond the classroom and gives you real-world exposure to severe needs, non-verbal students, sensory regulation, and communication support?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology and Creative graduates to join a highly specialist SEN school in Islington.
The Role: SEN Learning Support Assistant
This specialist provision supports pupils with severe needs, including high-support Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and Global Developmental Delay (GDD). Many pupils are non-verbal, making this role ideal for graduates who are empathetic, observant, and interested in sensory and movement-based approaches to communication and regulation.
Why this role suits Aspiring Occupational Therapists:
- Sensory processing differences - how pupils experience touch, sound, movement, and space
- Fine and gross motor skills - supporting pupils with physical disabilities and motor delays
- Sensory regulation - identifying triggers, creating calm spaces, and using sensory tools to prevent distress
- Environmental adaptation - adjusting tasks and surroundings to enable participation
- Non-verbal communication - reading body language, facial expression, and movement as communication
Your experience will give you a strong foundation for Occupational Therapy training, particularly in paediatrics, sensory integration, and complex needs.
Your Experience Will Include:
- Supporting sensory regulation and sensory care (e.g., sensory diets, sensory rooms, equipment)
- Providing personal care (toileting, hygiene, feeding, and positioning) - essential for understanding the physical needs of students with severe disabilities
- Facilitating communication through play, art, music, visuals, sensory tools, and movement
- Assisting with daily therapeutic activities inspired by Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), and Clinical Psychology
- Developing an understanding of behaviour as communication, emotional regulation, and individual sensory profiles
- Supporting fine motor development (e.g., grip, mark-making, using tools) and gross motor skills (e.g., positioning, moving, balance)
This is an outstanding opportunity for graduates planning postgraduate training in Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Physiotherapy, or related therapeutic pathways.
Psychology Graduate - Islington - Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London employer: AMA Admin
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic environment for aspiring Behaviour, Pastoral, or Cover Specialists in Bradford. With a focus on professional development and valuable classroom experience, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying consistent hours and a positive school culture. Join us to build your career in education and contribute to a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate - Islington - Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Psychology Graduate - Islington - Aspiring Occupational Therapist at AMA Admin, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate - Islington - Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at AMA Admin connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with AMA Admin, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and AMA Admin will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows AMA Admin that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
