At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with anxiety and learning needs, helping them re-engage with education.
- Company: A supportive primary school in South Tyneside focused on personalised learning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, consistent hours, and full training provided.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates seeking to explore careers in educational psychology or therapy.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or support work; passion for psychology and mental health.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 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 Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a Primary School in South Tyneside. This role provides valuable, hands-on experience supporting children and young people 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 to £115 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 proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant South Tyneside 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 – Learning Support Assistant South Tyneside
✨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 – Learning Support Assistant South Tyneside 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 – Learning Support Assistant South Tyneside
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.
