At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with emotional needs and help them re-engage with education.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates seeking a meaningful career path in educational psychology.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in psychology or SEND education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Are you a graduate or currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy? Do you want a role where your empathy, patience and resilience can genuinely transform the educational experience of young people who struggle to access school?
We are recruiting several Learning Support Assistants on behalf of Primary Schools in Durham. This role provides valuable, hands-on experience supporting children who experience anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (school refusal), autism, communication differences and additional learning needs. Many pupils come from a range of backgrounds and have struggled to engage with mainstream education due to anxiety, past negative experiences in school, or complex emotional needs. Your role will be to help rebuild their confidence, trust in education and sense of safety in learning environments.
You will work within a small, supportive class team where the focus is on personalised learning, emotional regulation and relationship building, helping pupils gradually re-engage with education at their own pace. This role starts September 2026, working Monday to Friday, term time only, 8.30am to 3.30pm, making it ideal for graduates or support professionals seeking consistent experience within education.
Pay: £107.17 per day
The school is easily accessible with good transport links, and driving is advantageous with parking available nearby.
Why this role is ideal for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists or Occupational Therapists:
- This position provides direct experience with children experiencing anxiety, trauma, school avoidance and additional learning needs, which is highly relevant for careers in psychology, therapy and SEND education.
- You will gain valuable insight into:
- Supporting children with emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety
- Building trust with pupils who have struggled in traditional education settings
- Using trauma-informed and person-centred approaches
- Understanding behaviour linked to anxiety, emotional regulation and past experiences
- Working within a multi-disciplinary team including teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Helping pupils rebuild confidence, routine and engagement with learning
- Supporting young people from diverse social, cultural and educational backgrounds
Many graduates use this role to confirm whether a career in educational psychology, youth justice, occupational therapy, mental health support or SEND education is the right pathway for them.
What you will be doing:
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups throughout the school day
- Helping children who experience anxiety or school refusal feel safe and supported in the classroom
- Building positive relationships with pupils who may initially struggle to trust adults in education settings
- Encouraging communication, confidence and emotional regulation
- Supporting structured activities that promote independence and life skills
- Helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
- Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
- Encouraging engagement with learning through patience, consistency and positive reinforcement
Your support can play a key role in helping a young person reconnect with education and believe in their ability to succeed.
We would love to hear from you if you have:
- Experience in care, youth work, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
- A genuine interest in psychology, mental health, therapy or SEND education
- Patience, resilience and a calm, reflective approach
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with young people
- An understanding of how anxiety and confidence can impact learning
- The ability to work collaboratively within a team
You do not need prior school-based experience. Your empathy, commitment and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training and support are provided as part of your onboarding.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant Durham
✨Get Involved in Local Psychology Events
Jump into some local psychology meetups or seminars. These events are a goldmine for networking and learning about internship opportunities. Plus, you can get to know people who could potentially help you land a gig at cool places like Milk Education!
✨Utilise Your University Career Services
Don’t sleep on your university's career services! They often have exclusive partnerships with local companies for internships, including your dream role at Milk Education. Make an appointment and get them to help you polish your pitch and find openings.
✨Join Online Psychology Communities
Engage in online forums or social media groups focused on psychology. Sites like Reddit, or even Facebook groups, can be fantastic spots to hear about internships and get advice from those who've been through it.
✨Connect with Professors and Alumni
Leverage your professors and alumni networks! They often have industry contacts and can give you the inside scoop on internship opportunities at places like Milk Education. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – most will be more than happy to assist!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:In your cover letter, we want to see your enthusiasm for the field of psychology! Mention specific areas that fascinate you and how this internship at Milk Education aligns with your career goals. Make it personal—share any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in psychology.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Don’t forget to showcase your academic achievements! Include coursework related to psychology that could be relevant for the internship. We love seeing projects or research papers you’ve worked on, so if you've conducted any studies or have results to share, put those in your CV or cover letter to highlight your practical knowledge.
Emphasise Your Learning Potential:As this is an internship, we want to know what you hope to learn and gain from this experience at Milk Education. In your cover letter, express your willingness to develop specific skills or knowledge areas during your time with us. Demonstrating a learning mindset can really make you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Your CV should reflect your dedication to psychology—make sure to include any relevant volunteer work, internships, or extracurriculars. If you've attended workshops or conferences, jot those down too! Just like we tailor our study resources, you should tailor your CV to highlight what makes you a great fit for this internship at Milk Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key psychology theories and concepts relevant to the position at Milk Education. We might get asked to explain how these theories apply in real-life scenarios, so think about practical examples that showcase your understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
As an intern, your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn can set you apart. Prepare to discuss why you're interested in psychology and what draws you to Milk Education specifically. This is your chance to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but that you genuinely want to grow in this field.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Expect some role-playing exercises in the interview, especially if you're applying for a position that involves client interaction. Practising how you’d handle specific psychological scenarios or dialogues can really show us your potential and approach to real-world problems.
✨Show Off Your Projects
If you've completed any relevant projects, whether academic or voluntary, have them ready to discuss. Highlight what you learned, any methodologies you used, and how these experiences prepared you for your internship at Milk Education. This showcases your practical skills in a field where theory meets application.
