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: Ideal for aspiring psychologists seeking meaningful, impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while exploring psychology careers.
- Qualifications: Interest in psychology, patience, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ 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 escalated 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 in Dover employer: Milk Education
Join a supportive and dynamic educational environment in Tower Hamlets, where your role as a Learning Support Assistant will not only contribute to the development of children with diverse needs but also pave the way for your future career in psychology. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive training and hands-on experience that directly aligns with your aspirations in educational and clinical psychology. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and adaptability, ensuring that every day is both rewarding and impactful as you help shape the lives of young learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant - Tower Hamlets in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Learning Support Assistants or psychologists on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like this. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to psychology or education. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet people in the field. Plus, it shows your commitment to learning and growing in this area!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with special educational needs. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your empathy and adaptability. We want to see how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you who are eager to make an impact in the lives of young learners.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist - Learning Support Assistant - Tower Hamlets in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:Let us see your enthusiasm for psychology shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the role of a Learning Support Assistant and how they’ve shaped your desire to work with children.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the role. Mention your adaptability, patience, and any experience with children who have special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and you can keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on key concepts related to child development and autism. Familiarise yourself with common strategies used in educational psychology, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and patience. This could be from previous roles or even volunteer work. Highlight how these qualities helped you support individuals effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle challenging behaviours or unexpected situations, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting autistic learners. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.