Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant in Ashington

Start Date – September

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only

Pay: £450 – £550 per Week

Are you looking to gain hands‑on experience that will support a future career in Psychology, Counselling, Therapy, Social Work, CAMHS, or Educational Psychology? Milk Education are recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist SEMH school based near Ashington. This is a full‑time opportunity for aspiring Psychologists who want to build practical experience supporting vulnerable young people in an education setting. This specialist provision supports students from Year 7 to Year 11 with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, attachment needs, trauma‑related behaviours, and social, emotional and mental health challenges. Many pupils have experienced barriers to learning and need consistent adult support to help them re‑engage with education.

Your role will be to provide structure, emotional support, and positive guidance, helping students regulate behaviour, access learning, and build confidence.

Why this role is ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist

Working as a Learning Support Assistant is excellent practical experience for graduates or aspiring professionals looking to move into psychology or mental health‑based careers. You will gain first‑hand experience in:

• Understanding behaviour linked to trauma and unmet needs
• Supporting students with Autism and ADHD
• Developing behaviour regulation strategies
• Building trust with young people who may struggle in mainstream settings
• Using de‑escalation and restorative approaches
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and confidence
• Learning how SEMH needs impact learning and relationships
• Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff, and outside professionals

You will see how consistent relationships and the right support can positively impact a young person’s education and future outcomes. This role is particularly valuable if you are aiming for:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• CAMHS
• Youth Justice or Youth Work
• Social Work
• Teaching or SEN Teaching

Your Core Purpose

Your goal is to:

• Keep students engaged and emotionally regulated during the school day
• Raise confidence, attendance, and engagement
• Provide a safe and predictable learning environment
• Encourage resilience and independence
• Support students to re‑engage with education
• Show young people that their past challenges do not define their future

What You Will Be Doing

Supporting students on a 1:1 basis or in small groups:

• Helping pupils manage behaviour and emotional triggers
• Supporting focus and participation in lessons
• Acting as a calm, positive role model
• Building strong and professional relationships with students
• Working closely with teachers and pastoral teams
• Encouraging routines, boundaries, and positive choices
• Promoting confidence, self‑esteem, and progress

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• A degree in Psychology or a related subject
• Experience in youth work, coaching, mentoring, care, or support work
• A strong interest in behaviour and mental health
• Patience, resilience, and emotional maturity
• Confidence working with teenagers
• A genuine passion for helping young people succeed

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.