At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism and learning disabilities in a dynamic educational setting.
- Company: Specialist education setting in Tower Hamlets focused on child development.
- Benefits: £100 per day, hands-on experience, and full training provided.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Gain real-world psychology experience while making a positive impact on young lives.
- Qualifications: Interest in psychology and experience in care or support work.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Pay: £100 per day
Start Dates: April – September 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Are you currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in psychology? Do you want a role where your empathy, observation skills and patience can directly impact a young person’s development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing? We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist education setting in Tower Hamlets. This role offers meaningful, hands‑on experience supporting children and young people with autism, communication differences, sensory processing needs and learning disabilities.
The school provides a structured environment with clear routines and support systems, while also requiring flexibility — no two days are the same, and staff must be able to adapt to pupils’ changing emotional and behavioural needs in the moment. This balance of structure and fluidity is key to supporting autistic learners effectively. You will work within a small class team, providing personalised support to help pupils develop independence, emotional regulation, communication skills and confidence.
Why this role is ideal for Aspiring Psychologists
This position provides direct exposure to key areas of psychology, including child development, behaviour analysis, emotional regulation and neurodiversity. You will gain valuable insight into:
- How autistic children experience the world, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences and reliance on routine
- Supporting pupils who may be non‑verbal or use alternative communication methods (PECS, visual supports)
- Understanding triggers behind behaviours and responding using calm, structured and consistent approaches
- Adapting in real time when situations change, behaviours elevate or pupils become dysregulated
- Applying trauma‑informed and person‑centred strategies in real‑world settings
- Observing how anxiety, overstimulation or change impacts behaviour and learning
- Working alongside multi‑disciplinary teams including therapists, SEN specialists and external professionals
- Building trust and positive relationships with children who may initially find interaction challenging
You’ll experience both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with autistic children — from celebrating small breakthroughs to supporting pupils through moments of distress with patience, consistency and care. Many candidates use this role to confirm whether a future in educational psychology, clinical psychology, child psychology or mental health support is the right pathway.
What you will be doing
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small‑group basis throughout the school day
- Helping children follow structured routines while remaining flexible to their needs
- Promoting communication, independence and life skills through tailored activities
- Supporting sensory needs (e.g. movement breaks, quiet spaces, sensory tools)
- Assisting with personal care, feeding or mobility where required (full training provided)
- Encouraging emotional regulation using positive, consistent strategies
- Responding calmly to challenging behaviour and adapting support approaches when needed
- Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
- Helping pupils remain safe, engaged and supported during learning and social situations
Your consistency, adaptability and calm approach will play a key role in each child’s progress.
We would love to hear from you if you have:
- Experience in care, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
- A strong interest in psychology, mental health or SEND education
- Curiosity about behaviour and child development
- Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team
- Ability to work within both structured routines and more fluid, unpredictable situations
- Willingness to support with personal care when required
You do not need prior school‑based experience — your attitude, empathy and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training is provided as part of your onboarding.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant – Tower Hamlets employer: Milk Education
Join a dedicated team in Tower Hamlets where your role as a Learning Support Assistant will not only provide you with invaluable experience in the field of psychology but also allow you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with diverse needs. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering comprehensive training and opportunities to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that you are well-equipped to thrive in your career path towards educational or clinical psychology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant – Tower Hamlets
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the psychology field, especially those working as Learning Support Assistants. Attend local events or workshops in Tower Hamlets to meet people who can give you insights and possibly refer you to job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with experience! Volunteer or shadow professionals in educational settings. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world insights into the role, making you a more attractive candidate when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get an interview, be sure to express your genuine interest in supporting children with autism and learning disabilities. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your empathy and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In this role, no two days are the same. Practice how you would handle various scenarios involving emotional regulation and communication differences. This will help you feel more confident during interviews and demonstrate your readiness for the challenges ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant – Tower Hamlets
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:Let us see your enthusiasm for psychology in your application! Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the role, especially those that highlight your empathy and understanding of child development.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable individuals and any skills that align with supporting children with autism and other needs. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding autism, communication differences, and emotional regulation. Familiarise yourself with key terms and concepts related to child development and neurodiversity. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and patience. Whether it's a time you supported someone in distress or helped a child overcome a challenge, these stories will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Since the role requires flexibility, prepare to discuss how you handle unpredictable situations. Think of instances where you had to change your approach on the spot. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt to the needs of the pupils effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting autistic learners. Inquire about the training provided and how they implement individual support plans. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
