At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory regulation and communication.
- Company: Join a wellbeing-led, eco-friendly education agency in Islington.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £108 per day and hands-on experience in a specialist school.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm during term time, starting September 2026.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience for your future career in Occupational Therapy or Clinical Psychology.
- Qualifications: Must be a Psychology Graduate with empathy and observational skills.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 23760 £ per year.
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
Working with non-verbal students with severe needs requires a deep understanding of:
- 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)
Psychology Graduate - Islington - Learning Support Assistant - 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 - Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
✨Get Involved with Psychology Networks
Join local psychology groups or online forums to connect with professionals and get the inside scoop on temporary opportunities. Engaging in these communities can lead to recommendations that might not be advertised anywhere else!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Voluntary Work
Consider taking on voluntary roles in mental health charities or community programmes. This not only builds your experience but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to temporary positions.
✨Keep Your Applications Customised and Fresh
Given the temporary nature of the roles, be super quick with your applications. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your adaptability and readiness for immediate start dates, and don't hesitate to apply through our website for the best chances!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs or workshops specifically aimed at psychology students and graduates. These events are perfect for networking and discovering temporary roles directly with employers—plus you can often leave a lasting impression in-person!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate - Islington - Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, highlighting your academic achievements is crucial. Make sure your CV emphasises your relevant coursework, grades, and any special projects or research you've undertaken in psychology. We want to see how your studies have prepared you for the role at AMA Admin.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Focus on your passion for psychology and how this temporary role fits into your career goals. Discuss any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for Psychology Graduate - Islington - Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Occupational Therapist at AMA Admin and tie it back to your motivation for applying.
Mention Any Relevant Experience:Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, relevant experience can set you apart. Highlight any practical applications of psychology you've been involved with, such as counselling, research assistance, or community outreach. It's all about demonstrating your hands-on understanding of the field!
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your cover letter. Let AMA Admin know that you're ready to jump in and learn, and that you can handle quick changes in tasks. We want to see how you'll thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In psychology, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles or academic projects. Prepare a couple of real-life examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your strength in this area.
✨Understand the Role’s Context
A temporary position in psychology may involve specific populations or clinical settings. Familiarise yourself with any special considerations or methodologies that apply to the context of the job at AMA Admin. This could include particular therapeutic approaches or assessment tools - knowing these can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet and apply psychological principles in real-world scenarios. Practise how you would approach a hypothetical situation, perhaps dealing with a distressed client or assessing their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Be sure to emphasise your ability to step into various roles or tasks as needed. Share examples that show how you've thrived in changing situations or learned new skills rapidly.
