At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children with communication and emotional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN schools in West Drayton focused on child development.
- Benefits: £108 per day, term-time hours, full training, and ongoing support.
- Other info: Ideal for aspiring professionals seeking to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in psychology or therapy.
- Qualifications: Passion for psychology, autism, and child development; no prior school experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about autism, communication development, behaviour, and child psychology? Are you looking to gain hands-on experience supporting autistic children and young people before pursuing a career in psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, educational psychology, or mental health services? We are recruiting Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools in West Drayton, supporting autistic pupils, including non-verbal students and children with complex communication and sensory needs. This role offers exceptional frontline experience for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.
The Role
Many pupils within these specialist settings require consistent emotional support, structured routines, sensory regulation, and alternative communication approaches to help them engage safely and confidently in education. Your role will be to provide calm, nurturing, and consistent support throughout the school day, helping students develop communication, independence, emotional regulation, and confidence.
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
Location: West Drayton – well connected by public transport, with parking available nearby
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
Working as an Autism Support Assistant provides invaluable practical experience for anyone interested in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Behaviour Therapy
- SEN and Specialist Education
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Support
You will gain direct experience supporting:
- Autistic children and young people
- Non-verbal pupils
- Children with sensory processing differences
- Pupils with communication difficulties
- Students requiring structured routines and emotional regulation support
- Children with SEMH and behavioural needs linked to communication frustration
You will also develop practical understanding of:
- Autism-friendly communication strategies
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation
- Behaviour as communication
- Sensory support approaches
- Visual schedules and structured learning
- Relationship-based support
- Positive behaviour support strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Most importantly, you will see first-hand how consistent adult support and positive relationships can significantly improve a child’s confidence, wellbeing, communication, and ability to engage in learning.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to:
- Help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported
- Support communication and emotional regulation
- Build trust and positive relationships
- Encourage independence and engagement
- Create a calm and predictable learning environment
- Raise attainment by helping students develop confidence in both learning and social situations
By providing patient and consistent support, you will help children understand that their communication differences and challenges do not define their potential.
What You Will Be Doing
- Supporting autistic pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis
- Working with non-verbal students using visual and communication-based approaches
- Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs
- Helping pupils engage in lessons and classroom activities
- Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
- Using calm and consistent behaviour support strategies
- Supporting transitions throughout the school day
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Acting as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience
We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:
- A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
- Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
- A calm, patient, and empathetic personality
- Emotional resilience and strong communication skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with vulnerable children and young people
- A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential
You do not need previous school experience. Your attitude, empathy, consistency, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training and ongoing support will be provided as part of your onboarding and professional development.
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – West Drayton 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.
