At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with autism and emotional needs in a therapeutic environment.
- Company: Milk Education, a leader in specialist education recruitment.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible start dates, and full training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term employment and professional growth in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience that enhances your career prospects in psychology and therapy.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology, education, or related field; empathy and patience are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you a psychology, occupational therapy or criminology graduate looking for the experience that actually opens doors? Postgraduate programmes in educational psychology, forensic psychology and occupational therapy are competitive. What sets the strongest applications apart isn’t just the degree it’s documented, hands-on experience working with complex, vulnerable young people in real therapeutic environments. This role gives you exactly that.
Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist alternative provision in Croydon, a small, highly specialist setting working with children and young people who have been unable to access mainstream school due to anxiety, autism, trauma and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). This is not a mainstream TA role. The cohort is complex. The work is meaningful. And the experience is the kind that UCAS panels and postgraduate admissions tutors actually want to see.
The setting is based in Croydon, a borough with a strong tradition of community-led, inclusive education and one of London’s most culturally rich and diverse areas. This provision supports young people who have often had damaging experiences in traditional education. The ethos is built around rebuilding trust, emotional safety and a genuine love of learning through trauma-informed, person-centred practice delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Class sizes are small. Relationships are central. Progress, however incremental, is real.
What the role involves:
- 1:1 and small group support for pupils with autism, EBSA, anxiety and complex emotional needs
- Building therapeutic relationships with young people who may initially resist adult engagement
- Supporting emotional regulation across transitions, routines and social situations
- Working within individual support plans alongside teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Applying trauma-informed and person-centred strategies to help pupils re-engage with learning
- Contributing to multi-agency working with clinical and educational professionals
Why this is the right experience for your career:
- Direct experience supporting EBSA, anxiety and trauma-related behaviours
- Practical application of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches
- Observation of and contribution to multi-agency working
- De-escalation, emotional coaching and relationship-based support skills
- A reflective practice portfolio you can reference directly in postgraduate applications
Many graduates use this role as the step that secures their next career move. Some go on to secure permanent positions within the setting itself.
Start dates:
- Immediate start available — May 2026
- Trial period — June and July 2026, with confirmed September 2026 return
- Applications welcome from candidates ready now or securing a role ahead of a later start
Who we’re looking for:
Prior school experience isn’t required. What matters is your empathy, your patience and your genuine commitment to working with vulnerable young people. You’ll be a strong fit if you have:
- A degree (or current study) in psychology, education, sociology, criminology, occupational therapy or a related field
- Experience in care, youth work, support work, mentoring or volunteering with vulnerable individuals
- A genuine interest in child development, mental health, SEN or therapeutic education
- A calm, reflective approach and the ability to build trust with young people who find adult relationships difficult
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Full training and onboarding provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers:
- £107–£110 per day
- A specialist SEN consultant who understands your career goals — not just the vacancy
- DBS fast-track support
- Flexible start dates
- A genuine pathway to long-term or permanent employment in the sector
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo standards.
Learning Support Assistant – Psychology & Therapy Graduates | Specialist SEND Provision | Croydon employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for psychology and therapy graduates seeking meaningful experience in a specialist SEND provision in Croydon. With a strong commitment to professional development, the company offers comprehensive training, flexible start dates, and a supportive work culture that prioritises emotional safety and trust-building with vulnerable young people. Employees benefit from working in a small, multidisciplinary team where their contributions are valued, paving the way for future career opportunities in educational psychology and related fields.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant – Psychology & Therapy Graduates | Specialist SEND Provision | Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni or local professionals in psychology and therapy. They might have insider info on job openings or even be able to refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteer or intern at local schools or organisations that work with vulnerable young people. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real stories to share during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with children and young people. Think about scenarios where you've shown empathy and patience, as these qualities are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant – Psychology & Therapy Graduates | Specialist SEND Provision | Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine interest in working with vulnerable young people. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role. It’s all about connecting with the ethos of the position!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your background in psychology, therapy, or related fields aligns with the specific needs of the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Learning Support Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key concepts of psychology, therapy, and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to working with vulnerable young people. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and patience in past experiences. Whether it's through volunteering or any relevant work, highlight moments where you've built trust with individuals who may find it hard to engage with adults.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the setting. Inquire about the specific challenges faced by the students and how the team supports their emotional regulation. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in making a real difference.
✨Reflect on Your Approach
Be ready to discuss your calm and reflective approach to working with young people. Think about how you would handle difficult situations or resistance from students. Sharing your strategies for de-escalation and emotional coaching can really set you apart.
