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- Tasks: Support children with autism in a nurturing school environment while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Specialist autism school in Southend, focused on therapeutic and structured learning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to exclusive discounts and training resources.
- Why this job: Perfect stepping stone for aspiring clinical psychologists with real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in psychology and a passion for child development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and make a meaningful impact on young lives.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Starting February 2026!
Pay: £101.40 per day
Location: Southend
Start Date: February 2026
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Training: Full education, training, and CPD provided
This Learning Support Assistant role is an excellent paid placement opportunity for aspiring psychologists, particularly those aiming to progress into Clinical Psychology. Based in a specialist autism school in Southend, the role offers daily, hands-on experience supporting children and young people with autism within a highly structured, therapeutic, and nurturing environment. You will work closely with pupils who present with a range of communication, emotional regulation, and behavioural needs, gaining invaluable exposure to applied psychological practice in a real-world setting. The school adopts evidence-based, autism-specific, and trauma-informed approaches, making this role especially relevant for graduates preparing future Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) applications.
Why This Is a Great Paid Placement for Aspiring Clinical Psychologists
This role provides direct experience that closely mirrors many core competencies expected for clinical psychology training, including:
- Supporting autistic pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis, developing a strong understanding of neurodiversity and individual formulation
- Observing and applying psychological principles such as emotional regulation, behaviour support, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice
- Using structured, visual, and sensory-informed strategies to reduce anxiety and support engagement
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary professionals, gaining insight into assessment, intervention, and collaborative care
- Developing key clinical skills including detailed observation, data collection, reflective practice, professional boundaries, and rapport-building
- Understanding the impact of environment, relationships, and communication on behaviour and wellbeing
This consistent, long-term experience provides rich material for reflective logs, supervision discussions, and future postgraduate applications.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A strong academic background in psychology or a related discipline, with clear ambitions to pursue Clinical Psychology or related pathways
- A genuine interest in autism, child development, mental health, and therapeutic support
- Experience supporting children or young people in education, care, or similar settings (desirable but not essential)
- A calm, empathetic, and reflective approach when supporting pupils with complex needs
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting, professional relationships
- A commitment to ethical practice, learning, and ongoing professional development
This role offers a valuable stepping stone for aspiring clinical psychologists, providing paid, relevant experience that strengthens applications for Assistant Psychologist roles, postgraduate study, and doctoral training.
Benefits to You
- Excellent rates of pay
- Speedy registration process with fast-track compliance
- Flexible working days and hours
- 5-star rated agency with 3,000 reviews across Google and Facebook
- Exclusive partnerships with schools and trusts
- FREE access to the Perks Portal, offering discounts similar to the Blue Light Card
- Access to 1,000 accredited and discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources created by qualified teachers
- FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to the wellbeing hub, including CPD and health & fitness modules
- School Preparation Pack to support you ahead of placements
- 24/7 support from your dedicated personal consultant
- Access to the Unbottled programme, bringing lived-experience speakers into schools
- Join the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
Click Apply Now or get in touch for more information about this exciting opportunity.
Aspiring Psychologist: Learning Support Assistant in Southend-on-Sea employer: Milk Education
Contact Detail:
Milk Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist: Learning Support Assistant in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of psychology, especially those working with autism. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer or shadow professionals in educational settings. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to psychology and autism support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to build confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get access to exclusive resources and support from our team to help you land that dream role as a Learning Support Assistant.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist: Learning Support Assistant in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for psychology and working with children shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in autism and child development, so share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your passion!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Learning Support Assistant. Highlight any experience you have with children or young people, especially in educational or care settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Reflective: In your application, reflect on your experiences and what you've learned from them. This role is all about understanding complex needs, so showing us your ability to think critically about your experiences will really stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll get all the info you need about the role and our agency. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially around autism and child development. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like emotional regulation and trauma-informed practice, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your genuine interest in supporting children and young people shine through. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether in education or care settings, and explain why this role excites you and aligns with your career goals.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by actively listening to the questions asked. Take a moment to think before responding, and ensure your answers reflect an understanding of the needs of autistic pupils and how you can support them.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the school environment. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training provided or how the team collaborates to support students.