At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic pupils with communication, emotional regulation, and independence in a school setting.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: £108 per day, term-time only, full training, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent support and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for psychology, autism, and child development; experience in care or mentoring is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Haringey, London
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
Sector: Education and Training – SEN Support
Are you passionate about autism, communication development, and child psychology? Looking for hands-on experience before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, CAMHS, or behaviour analysis?
We are recruiting compassionate Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools across Haringey. These schools support autistic children and young people, including non-verbal pupils and those with complex communication, sensory, and SEMH needs. Many students require structured routines, emotional regulation support, and alternative communication approaches to engage safely and confidently in education.
This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
You will gain invaluable frontline experience directly relevant to:
- Clinical Psychology – neurodevelopment, trauma-informed care, therapeutic engagement
- Educational Psychology – adaptive environments and inclusive practice
- Speech & Language Therapy – AAC, communication profiling, language development
- Occupational Therapy – sensory integration, motor skills, daily living support
- CAMHS & Mental Health – emotional wellbeing and early intervention
- Behaviour Analysis – functional approaches and positive behaviour support
- SEN Education – EHCP delivery and specialist teaching strategies
Through daily practice, you will develop expertise in:
- Autism-friendly communication and rapport-building
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation techniques
- Behaviour as communication – interpreting unmet needs
- Sensory support, visual schedules, and structured teaching
- De-escalation, positive behaviour support, and AAC (PECS, Makaton, devices)
Most importantly, you will see first-hand how consistent, empathetic support can transform a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and ability to learn.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported throughout the school day. You will:
- Build trust and positive relationships with vulnerable children
- Support communication, emotional regulation, and independence
- Create a calm, predictable learning environment
- Raise attainment by building confidence in academic and social settings
- Help children understand that their communication differences do not define their potential
What You Will Be Doing
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support to autistic pupils
- Working with non-verbal students using visual, sensory, and AAC approaches
- Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs with tailored strategies
- Helping pupils access lessons and classroom activities
- Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
- Using calm, consistent behaviour support and de-escalation techniques
- Supporting smooth transitions throughout the school day
- Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and pastoral teams
- Acting as a positive role model for patience, empathy, and resilience
We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:
- A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
- Experience (paid or voluntary) in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
- A calm, patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient personality
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with vulnerable young people
- A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential
You do not need previous school experience – your attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training, safeguarding, and ongoing professional development are provided, along with regular supervision and team support.
Practical Details
Schools are well connected by public transport in Haringey, with parking available nearby. The role is term-time only, offering a stable schedule. Pay is £108 per day, with weekly PAYE payments.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
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.
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism 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 Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Haringey
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Haringey at Milk Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Haringey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Milk Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Milk Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Milk Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Milk Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
