At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with speech and language difficulties in a hands-on learning environment.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training provided, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: No school experience needed; just bring your passion and willingness to learn.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Speech and Language Therapy with real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Graduates or those with relevant experience in care or communication support.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: West Drayton | Start Date: September 2026
Pay: £108 per day | Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Term Time Only)
About the Role
This specialist provision in West Drayton supports young people with:
- Speech and language difficulties
- Physical disabilities and mobility challenges
- Complex health needs and sensory processing differences
Why this role is the perfect launchpad for Speech and Language Therapy
- Understand Communication in All Its Forms: Many of the students we support are non-verbal or have significant speech and language delays. You will learn to recognise and interpret alternative forms of communication—from gestures and facial expressions to behaviour and vocalisations—building the foundational skills every SLT needs to assess and support children with complex needs.
- Support the Development of Functional Communication: You will work alongside speech and language therapists to implement communication programmes, using tools such as Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This hands-on experience gives you a significant advantage when you begin your SLT placements.
- Understand the Link Between Communication and Behaviour: Many of the students we support experience frustration, anxiety, and challenging behaviour because they cannot express their needs, wants, or emotions verbally. You will learn how to identify communication breakdowns and support children to find alternative ways to make themselves understood—a crucial skill for any speech and language therapist.
- Develop Your Clinical Observation Skills: You will learn to assess a child’s receptive and expressive language, attention and listening skills, and social communication abilities in real-world settings. You will see how environmental factors, sensory needs, and physical positioning impact a child’s ability to communicate effectively.
- Build Therapeutic Rapport with Non-Verbal Children: Communication is about more than words. You will learn to build trust through consistency, active listening, and patience—skills that are essential when working with children who have speech and language challenges or cognitive impairments.
This opportunity is ideal for those aspiring to become:
- Speech and Language Therapists (Paediatric or Dysphagia specialisms)
- Occupational Therapists
- Educational or Clinical Psychologists
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Professionals
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups with communication activities
- Implementing communication programmes under the guidance of qualified SLTs
- Using Makaton, PECS, and AAC devices to support non-verbal students
- Helping students build vocabulary, sentence structure, and social communication skills
- Encouraging engagement in speech and language-led programmes and daily routines
- Working closely with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and SEN staff
- Promoting independence, confidence, and communication wellbeing
- Supporting students with sensory and physical needs
What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Are a graduate in Speech and Language Therapy, Linguistics, Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related field—or have relevant experience in care, support work, or communication support
- Have a genuine interest in paediatric speech and language therapy, communication disorders, and neurorehabilitation
- Are patient, empathetic, and adaptable
- Have strong observation and active listening skills
- Understand how communication challenges impact learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
No school-based experience is required — your attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training in Makaton, PECS, safeguarding, and communication support will be provided.
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 Speech And Language Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton 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 Speech And Language Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Milk Education. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Milk Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Speech And Language Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Milk Education:Take some time to research Milk Education and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Milk Education's values and approach.
