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- Tasks: Support young people with emotional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Milk Education, a leader in educational support.
- Benefits: Earn £101.40 per day with flexible start dates and full training.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience that boosts your psychology or therapy career.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; empathy and curiosity are key.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a real difference.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Company: Milk Education
Location: Hackney, London (easily accessible by public transport; parking available)
Salary: £101.40 per day
Job Type: Full-time | Immediate Start | March, April, May or September 2026 start dates available
Are you a psychology or therapy graduate looking for the experience that sets your application apart? If you are working towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy – or simply want to confirm that working with children and young people is the right path for you – this role offers exactly the kind of hands-on, meaningful experience that postgraduate programmes and employers are looking for.
Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist alternative provision in Hackney. This is not a typical classroom assistant role. You will be working in a small, nurturing setting specifically designed for children and young people who have been unable to access mainstream education due to anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), autism, trauma, and complex emotional needs. This is real-world experience with a genuinely complex and rewarding cohort – the kind of experience you cannot get from a mainstream school placement.
About the setting
The provision sits at the heart of Hackney – one of London’s most diverse and forward-thinking boroughs – and works with young people who have often had difficult or damaging experiences in traditional education. The focus here is on rebuilding trust, emotional safety and a love of learning, using trauma-informed, person-centred approaches delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Class sizes are small. Support is personalised. And the progress pupils make – however small it may seem – is genuinely significant.
What you will be doing:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with anxiety, EBSA, autism and additional learning needs
- Building therapeutic, trusting relationships with young people who may initially resist engagement with adults
- Supporting emotional regulation and helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
- Implementing individual support plans in collaboration with teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Encouraging communication, independence and confidence through patience and consistency
- Using trauma-informed and person-centred strategies to help pupils gradually re-engage with learning
Why this role is ideal for your career:
- Working in this setting gives you direct, documented experience across areas that are central to careers in psychology, therapy and SEND:
- Supporting children with emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety
- Understanding how trauma shapes behaviour and learning
- Applying person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in a real educational context
- Observing and contributing to multi-agency working alongside teachers, therapists and clinical professionals
- Building skills in de-escalation, emotional coaching and relationship-based support
Many graduates use this role to strengthen their UCAS or postgraduate applications, build a reflective practice portfolio, and confirm whether educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational therapy, SEMH support or youth justice is the right direction.
Start dates – flexible to suit you:
- Immediate start available – March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
- Trial period June and July 2026, with a confirmed September 2026 start
We welcome applications from candidates ready to begin now, and equally from graduates who want to secure the role ahead of a later start date.
Who we are looking for:
You do not need prior school-based experience. What matters is your empathy, your curiosity and your commitment to working with vulnerable young people. We would love to hear from you if you have:
- A degree in psychology, education, sociology, criminology, occupational therapy or a related field (or are currently studying)
- Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, support work or volunteering with vulnerable individuals
- A genuine interest in child development, mental health, SEN or therapeutic education
- A calm, reflective and patient approach
- The ability to build trust with young people who may find relationships with adults difficult
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Full training and onboarding support are provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers:
- £101.40 per day
- A dedicated consultant who specialises in SEN and specialist provision recruitment
- Support throughout your registration including DBS fast-track
- Flexible start dates to suit your circumstances
- Genuine pathway to long-term or permanent employment within the setting
- A consultant who will take the time to understand your career goals and match you to the right school
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory professional references. Right to work in the UK is required.
Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Learning Support employer: Milk Education
Contact Detail:
Milk Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Learning Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can connect you with someone in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experiences align with their mission. Practise common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! We’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference, so don’t hesitate to showcase your skills and experiences directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Learning Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for psychology and working with young people shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine interest in child development and mental health, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences, whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or any work with vulnerable individuals. We’re looking for empathy and commitment, so showcase those skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you’ve supported others and how you plan to use that experience in this position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates you need!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key concepts of educational psychology, forensic psychology, and occupational therapy. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to working with vulnerable young people. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy in past experiences. Whether it's through volunteering or work, highlight moments where you've built trust with individuals facing challenges. This is crucial for the role!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the setting and the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your commitment to understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work in this field and how you see yourself contributing to the team. Your passion for helping young people will shine through if you stay true to yourself.