At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic pupils in a structured educational environment and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Milk Education, committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, full training provided, and real-world clinical experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those considering further study in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, or related fields.
- Why this job: Kickstart your psychology career with valuable insights into child development and mental health.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates passionate about psychology and child development; experience is a plus but not required.
Location: Hammersmith, West London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Salary: £108 – £120 per day
Sector: Education and Training (SEN Support)
Kickstart Your Psychology Career in a Clinical & SEN Setting
Are you a recent graduate with a passion for autism, communication, and child development? Do you want to build a strong foundation for a future career in Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, or Mental Health services? We are currently seeking dedicated Autism Support Assistants to join specialist SEN schools across Hammersmith. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain frontline, paid experience supporting autistic pupils—including those with non-verbal communication and complex sensory needs—within a structured educational environment that sits at the intersection of education and clinical practice.
Clinical & Psychological Elements of This Graduate Placement
This role offers unique exposure to clinical practice in an educational setting. You will gain practical insight into:
- Clinical Observation & Assessment: Work alongside qualified professionals to observe and document behavioural, emotional, and developmental presentations in autistic children.
- Mental Health & CAMHS Pathways: Understand how children’s mental health needs present in school settings and how referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are initiated.
- Speech & Language Therapy (SALT): Support speech therapists in delivering communication interventions and using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Assist with sensory integration strategies, fine motor skill development, and daily living tasks under the guidance of OTs.
- Behavioural Analysis & Intervention: Use principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to understand behaviour as communication and implement evidence-based interventions.
- Psychoeducation & Emotional Regulation: Support pupils in developing insight into their own emotions and co-regulate during periods of distress or sensory overload.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Working: Attend team meetings and case reviews with psychologists, therapists, and SENCOs to contribute to holistic care and education plans.
Why This Graduate Placement Is Perfect for Your Career Path
This role provides the “real-world” clinical experience that postgraduate courses and employers value. You will develop:
- A deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions and their psychological impact.
- Skills in therapeutic communication and rapport-building with vulnerable children.
- Knowledge of safeguarding protocols and clinical governance.
- Confidence in managing crisis situations using de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches.
- Practical experience that strengthens applications for Clinical Psychology Doctorates, Educational Psychology training, and Therapy Masters programmes.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Provide calm, consistent 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex needs.
- Help students navigate the school day, managing transitions and sensory overload.
- Implement visual schedules, structured routines, and sensory diets to foster independence.
- Work collaboratively with Teachers, SENCOs, Speech & Language Therapists, OTs, and visiting Clinical Psychologists.
- Use de-escalation techniques and relationship-based support to build trust and confidence.
- Record observations on pupil behaviour, emotional regulation, and communication progress to inform clinical and educational reviews.
- Act as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience.
About You
We are looking for empathetic, resilient, and proactive graduates with a keen interest in the clinical aspects of child development and mental health. While experience in care, youth work, mentoring, or coaching is a plus, we prioritise attitude over experience—full training is provided. You must be:
- Passionate about making a tangible difference in a child’s life.
- Able to remain patient and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
- A strong communicator with a genuine interest in psychology, clinical practice, education, or neurodiversity.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Keen to learn about clinical assessment, intervention, and multi-disciplinary working.
This is a full-time graduate placement starting in September 2026. It is an ideal stepping-stone for those considering further study or careers in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Behaviour Therapy
- Psychiatry or Paediatric Nursing
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 – Graduate Placement Hammersmith 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 – Graduate Placement Hammersmith
✨Engage with University Career Services
Alright, so if you're on the hunt for a psychology placement, hit up your uni's career services. They often have specific resources, workshops, and connections to organisations looking for students like us. Plus, they might even help you prep for interviews and offer guidance on how to stand out!
✨Tap into Psychology Networks
Don’t forget to check out psychology-specific forums and communities online—places like the British Psychological Society and various Facebook groups are goldmines for placement opportunities. Connecting with current professionals in these networks can give us a leg up and might even lead to insider tips on openings at places like Milk Education.
✨Attend Psychology Events and Workshops
Get yourself to psychology conferences, workshops, or local talks! These events are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers and mentors. They could provide some solid networking opportunities that may lead you directly to a placement at Milk Education.
✨Show Your Passion Online
Start a blog or an online portfolio where you can share your interest in psychology—think case studies, reflections, or research discoveries. This not only showcases your enthusiasm but also increases your visibility in the field. When applying for placements, we can link them to your writings and give potential employers a taste of your perspective!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Graduate Placement Hammersmith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Passion for Psychology:In your application, let your enthusiasm for psychology shine through! Talk about your journey so far, what drives you in this field, and why you want to join Milk Education as a Aspiring Psychologist – Graduate Placement Hammersmith. This is a placement, so illustrate how keen you are to learn and contribute.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t had loads of professional experience, detail any relevant projects or volunteer work related to psychology. Whether it’s a psychology-related coursework or practical experience through internships or class projects, make sure to include it as it demonstrates your application of knowledge.
Connect the Dots:Don’t just list your qualifications—link them to the skills the placement requires! For psychology roles, it can be pivotal to mention your skills in research, analysis, and communication. Show how these skills are not just theoretical but practical and how you can use them at Milk Education.
Tailor Your Documents:Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role at Milk Education. Don’t forget to mention any psychological theories or approaches you’re particularly interested in, along with any relevant academic achievements that set you apart from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Prep Your Psychological Toolbox
In the world of psychology, it’s crucial to be familiar with different theories and practices. Brush up on key psychological models and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them in real-world contexts, especially during case study questions. This could showcase your readiness for the placement at Milk Education.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
Interviewers in psychology often look for interpersonal skills. Think about your experiences where you used empathy or active listening effectively. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight how these skills can impact client interactions or team dynamics—it's what they want to hear for placements.
✨Demonstrate Your Research Interest
Don’t forget to mention any research you've done in your field. Whether it’s a project from uni or a report you found fascinating, showing your active interest in psychology will resonate well with the interviewers. It reveals your initiative and eagerness to learn on placement at Milk Education.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Many psychology placements include role-play or situational judgement tests during interviews. Be ready to think on your feet! Practise how you might respond to common scenarios you might face in your role, like dealing with difficult emotions or ethical dilemmas, to really impress at Milk Education.
