At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic pupils with high needs in a structured educational environment.
- Company: Join Milk Education, committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience for future psychology careers with full training provided.
- Other info: Full-time placement starting September 2026, ideal for aspiring psychologists.
- Why this job: Kickstart your psychology career while making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a passion for supporting children with complex needs.
Location: Haringey, North 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 Haringey. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain frontline, paid experience supporting autistic pupils with high support needs—including non-verbal students and those with complex sensory, communication, and behavioural profiles—within a structured educational environment.
Clinical, Occupational & High Support Autism Elements
This role offers unique exposure to clinical and therapeutic practice in an educational setting. You will gain practical insight into:
- High Support Autism: Work with pupils who have significant communication, sensory, and regulation needs, requiring consistent 1:1 support, visual structures, and tailored interventions.
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Integration: Support fine and gross motor skill development, sensory diets, daily living tasks, and environmental adaptations under the guidance of qualified OTs.
- Clinical Observation & Assessment: Document behavioural, emotional, and developmental presentations to inform clinical reviews and multi-disciplinary assessments.
- Speech & Language Therapy (SALT): Support communication interventions, including AAC (PECS, Makaton, and high-tech devices).
- Behavioural Interventions: Use Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and de-escalation techniques to understand behaviour as communication and promote emotional regulation.
- MDT Working: Attend case reviews with Clinical Psychologists, OTs, SALTs, and SENCOs to contribute to holistic care and education plans.
Why This Graduate Placement Is Perfect for Your Career Path
This role provides invaluable experience for postgraduate applications in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, OT, SALT, and CAMHS. You will develop skills in therapeutic communication, crisis management, sensory support, and multi-disciplinary collaboration—all within a real-world clinical-educational setting.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Provide calm, consistent 1:1 support to pupils with high support autism and complex needs.
- Implement sensory diets, OT-led activities, and structured routines to promote regulation and independence.
- Use AAC and visual supports to facilitate communication and reduce frustration.
- Support transitions, manage sensory overload, and apply de-escalation techniques.
- Record observations on behaviour, regulation, and progress to inform clinical and educational reviews.
- Work collaboratively with Teachers, SENCOs, OTs, SALTs, and visiting Psychologists.
About You
We are looking for empathetic, resilient, and proactive graduates with a keen interest in clinical psychology, autism, or occupational therapy. Experience in care, youth work, or mentoring is a plus, but attitude and willingness to learn matter most—full training is provided. You must be:
- Passionate about supporting children with high support needs.
- Calm, patient, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
- A strong communicator with a genuine interest in psychology, OT, or neurodiversity.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
This is a full-time graduate placement starting in September 2026—ideal for those considering careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, CAMHS, or Behaviour Therapy.
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 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 – Graduate Placement Haringey
✨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 Haringey
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 Haringey. 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.