At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Autism and mental health needs in a nurturing educational environment.
- Company: Join a leading eco-friendly education supply agency dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £108 per day, enjoy flexible hours, and access exclusive discounts and training.
- Other info: Receive 24/7 support and access to over 1,000 CPD courses for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience in special education.
- Qualifications: Ideal for psychology or education graduates; experience with children is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Pay: £108 per day
Location: Haringey
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:45pm, term time only
Training: Full education, training, and CPD provided
Are you a psychology, education, health and social care, speech and language, or child development graduate looking to build a rewarding career supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), SEN, and mental health needs? This Learning Support Assistant position offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience working with autistic and non-verbal children, as well as those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, in a specialist educational setting in Maidenhead.
You will support pupils with a range of additional needs, including autism, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, complex learning differences, anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists, and specialist support staff, you will help create a nurturing environment where every child can develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
The school provides a highly structured and supportive environment designed to meet the unique needs of autistic learners and those with mental health challenges. Through individualised learning plans, communication-focused strategies, sensory-informed approaches, and trauma-informed practice, pupils are empowered to achieve positive outcomes both academically and socially.
This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals considering careers in educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, SEN teaching, behaviour support, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), or clinical psychology.
The Role - A Stepping Stone into Autism, SEN, and Mental Health Support
- Gain Specialist Autism & SEN Experience: Support autistic, non-verbal, and SEMH pupils on a one-to-one and small group basis, developing a deep understanding of communication differences, sensory needs, and individual learning profiles.
- Support Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing: Help pupils manage anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related behaviours, using calm, consistent, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Develop Communication Strategies: Learn and implement a range of communication methods, including visual supports, PECS, Makaton, AAC devices, and other alternative communication systems.
- Support Emotional Regulation: Help pupils develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills through consistent routines, positive reinforcement, sensory-informed interventions, and therapeutic approaches.
- Work Within a Multi Disciplinary Team: Collaborate closely with teachers, SENCOs, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and families to provide holistic support.
- Build Essential Professional Skills: Develop skills in behaviour support, communication facilitation, safeguarding, observation, record keeping, person-centred planning, and mental health first aid.
- Advocate for Inclusion: Make a genuine difference by supporting autistic, SEN, and mentally vulnerable children to access learning, build independence, and achieve their individual goals.
Candidate Profile
- A strong interest in Autism, Special Educational Needs (SEN), mental health, communication support, or child development.
- A degree in psychology, education, health and social care, speech and language studies, sociology, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
- Previous experience working with children, young people, or individuals with additional needs or mental health challenges is advantageous but not required.
- Patience, resilience, empathy, and a calm approach when supporting children with varying communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional challenges.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential.
- A proactive attitude and willingness to learn within a specialist educational environment.
Benefits to YOU
- Excellent rates of pay - £108 per day.
- Speedy registration process with fast track compliance.
- Flexible working opportunities during term time.
- 5 star rated agency with over 3,000 reviews across Google and Facebook.
- Exclusive partnerships with schools and trusts across Maidenhead and Berkshire.
- FREE access to our Perks Portal, offering discounts similar to the Blue Light Card.
- Access to 1,000+ accredited and discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy.
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources, created by qualified teachers.
- FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub, including CPD and fitness modules.
- School Preparation Pack to support you ahead of your placements.
- 24/7 support from your dedicated personal consultant.
- Access to our Unbottled programme, bringing lived experience speakers into schools to cover topics such as mental health, discrimination, and exploitation.
- Join the UK's only eco-friendly education supply agency.
Safeguarding
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 Autism Specialist / Mental Health & SEN Support - Learning Support Assistant Haringey employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Autism Specialist / Mental Health & SEN Support - Learning Support Assistant Haringey
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Milk Education. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Milk Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Autism Specialist / Mental Health & SEN Support - Learning Support Assistant Haringey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Milk Education:Take some time to research Milk Education and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Milk Education's values and approach.
