At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with anxiety and learning needs in a nurturing classroom environment.
- Company: Primary School in Sunderland dedicated to transforming educational experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, term-time hours, and full training provided.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates seeking a meaningful career path in psychology or therapy.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in psychology or education.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 € 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 Sunderland. 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 April 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
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.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Sunderland – Education and Training employer: Milk Education
Join a supportive Primary School in Sunderland as a Learning Support Assistant, where your empathy and resilience can truly make a difference in the lives of young people facing educational challenges. With a focus on personalised learning and emotional regulation, this role offers invaluable hands-on experience that is essential for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists, or Occupational Therapists. Enjoy a collaborative work culture, full training, and the opportunity to grow within a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to transforming the educational experience for children from diverse backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Sunderland – Education and Training
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of psychology and education. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer or take on internships related to educational support or psychology. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you’re applying for roles, make sure to highlight your relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Use specific examples that showcase your empathy and resilience, as these are key traits for a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that can help you kickstart your career in psychology. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over others. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Sunderland – Education and Training
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for psychology and education in your application. Share why you want to support young people and how your experiences have shaped this passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in a school setting. We want to know about your work with vulnerable individuals or any roles that showcase your empathy and resilience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain how your background aligns with the role and what you hope to achieve as a Learning Support Assistant. This is your chance to connect with us on a personal level.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant and how it relates to educational psychology. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like emotional regulation, anxiety, and trauma-informed approaches. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your experience that highlight your empathy and patience. Talk about times when you've supported someone in need or helped build trust with individuals facing challenges. This will demonstrate that you have the qualities needed to succeed in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting students with additional learning needs. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also eager to learn and contribute to the team. It’s a great way to engage in a meaningful conversation.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, they want to see the real you! Be authentic and let your passion for helping young people shine through. Your willingness to learn and grow in this role is just as important as your qualifications, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for making a difference.
