At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students to re-engage with learning and achieve their academic potential.
- Company: Milk Education, an eco-friendly education agency dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: £115.90 per day, flexible hours, access to CPD courses, and wellbeing resources.
- Other info: No prior school experience needed; attitude and intent are key.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while gaining valuable experience for future Art Therapy training.
- Qualifications: Aspiring Art Therapist or related field; passion for mental health and youth support.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: West Drayton
Start Date: April 2026
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £115.90 per day
Trial/observation days available.
Gain frontline experience supporting vulnerable young people while reinforcing the value of education as a pathway to positive outcomes.
This specialist provision in West Drayton supports vulnerable students who are academically capable but require additional support due to Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils have experienced disruption in their education, and the school’s core focus is re‑engaging them with learning and helping them recognise the long‑term value of their education.
They are seeking an Aspiring Art Therapist to work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting students to re‑engage, achieve academically, and rebuild confidence in their ability. In this setting, education is not just about attainment — it is about changing life trajectories.
Why this role is unique:
- Unlike mainstream settings, this provision focuses on students who have the ability to succeed academically, but need targeted support to overcome barriers such as:
- SEMH needs (anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges)
- Previous disengagement from education
- Interrupted school journeys
- Low confidence despite strong academic potential
Your role will centre on unlocking that potential and reinforcing the importance of education in shaping future opportunities.
How this role develops your experience:
- Understanding behaviour: Gain insight into the psychological drivers behind disengagement
- Re‑engagement strategies: Learn how to bring students back into education successfully
- Academic mentoring: Support capable students to achieve and exceed expectations
- Safeguarding experience: Work closely with vulnerable young people in a structured setting
- Relationship building: Become a consistent, trusted adult
- Creative therapeutic insight: Build foundational experience for future Art Therapy training
Your responsibilities:
- Support students 1:1 and in small groups to raise academic attainment
- Help pupils re‑engage with learning and build positive routines
- Provide SEMH support to improve focus and behaviour
- Work with teachers to deliver tailored support strategies
- Encourage a culture where education is seen as valuable and achievable
- Support a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
The students you support are capable — your role is to help them believe it and act on it.
Who we are looking for:
- No prior school experience required — attitude and intent are key.
- Aspiring Art Therapist (or related field such as Psychology, Creative Arts, or Mental Health)
- Strong interest in mental health, creative therapies, or youth support
- Passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed academically
- Resilient, patient, and consistent
- Able to build strong, trusting relationships
What’s in it for you:
- £115.90 per day
- Fast‑track registration
- Flexible working options
- Access to 1000+ CPD courses
- Free wellbeing resources
- Discount and perks platform
- Dedicated consultant support
- Opportunity to work with an eco‑friendly education agency
- Valuable frontline experience for Art Therapy Master’s/Doctorate applications
If you want to make a real impact by helping vulnerable but capable students reconnect with education, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for aspiring Art Therapists, offering a unique opportunity to support vulnerable young people in West Drayton. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from access to over 1000 CPD courses and dedicated consultant support, fostering a culture of growth and learning. The flexible working options and commitment to wellbeing resources create a supportive environment where you can make a meaningful impact while building your career in mental health and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Events
Check out local workshops, seminars, or support groups in therapy and counselling. Not only will this give you great insights into the field, but also you're likely to meet professionals who might know about internship opportunities, like at Milk Education. Plus, it shows your commitment to the process!
✨Use University Career Services to Your Advantage
Most universities have great career services that can help you find internships in the therapy-counselling area. They might even have specific programs or connections with organisations like Milk Education, so make sure to tap into those resources!
✨Join Professional Associations or Student Groups
Engage with organisations like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or something similar. These communities often have access to exclusive internship listings and can help you make connections in the industry.
✨Network with Your Professors and Peers
Don’t underestimate the power of your academic network. Your professors might have insider knowledge on internship opportunities at places like Milk Education. Chat with your peers, too – they may have leads that can help you land that coveted internship!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In the therapy and counselling field, we really want to see your commitment to helping others. Use your cover letter to share experiences that fuel your passion for this work, whether it’s volunteering, personal stories, or relevant coursework. Let us know why this internship means so much to you!
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Skills:Make sure your CV showcases any relevant coursework or training you’ve completed related to therapy and counselling. If you’ve done any skills training in active listening, empathy, or mental health awareness, show that off! It’s all about proving you’ve got some foundational knowledge to build on during your internship.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:As we read through applications at Milk Education, personalised documents stand out. Mention specific programmes or initiatives at Milk Education that excite you in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in becoming part of our team.
Get Creative with Your Application:Consider including a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, reflections, or volunteer work related to therapy. This could be notes from workshops, letters of recommendation from mentors, or even a reflective piece on what you've learned in your studies. Let us get to know you beyond just your CV!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In the therapy and counselling field, empathy is key. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've demonstrated the ability to connect with others on an emotional level. Share specific examples from your studies or any volunteer work you've done, as these stories can really highlight your suitability for the role at Milk Education.
✨Understand Therapeutic Approaches
Familiarise yourself with different therapeutic approaches, like cognitive behavioural therapy or person-centred therapy. During your interview, you might be asked about your knowledge and preferences. Showing that you’ve grasped these concepts will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in therapy.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an intern, your eagerness to learn and grow is just as important as any experience you have. Be prepared to express your motivation for entering the field and what you hope to gain from your internship at Milk Education. This could be through personal development, skills acquisition, or even wanting to contribute positively to clients.
✨Practice Role-Playing Scenarios
Expect some role-playing scenarios that simulate client interactions so you can showcase your interpersonal skills. Practising with a friend or mentor can help you feel comfortable. Reflect on how you would handle different client scenarios, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a supportive environment.
