Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer Hounslow

Are you a Psychology or Criminology Graduate in Hounslow looking to gain real-world experience before pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice System? Do you want to understand the root causes of offending, support vulnerable young people at risk of entering the justice system, and help them build the skills and independence they need to choose a different path?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology, Criminology, and Social Science graduates with a passion for Criminal Justice to work as Learning Support Assistants in a Hounslow secondary school. This is a unique opportunity to work on the frontline of early intervention, supporting the most vulnerable pupils to raise attainment, improve attendance, and re-engage with education before they become entangled in the criminal justice system.

The Role:

• Location: Hounslow
• Pay: £108 per day
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Future Opportunities: Additional roles available
• Interviews & Trial Days: To be confirmed

This role focuses on supporting students at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion, many of whom present with:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
• Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
• SEN or undiagnosed additional needs
• Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and access learning in a consistent and supportive way. This role provides a direct pathway into the Criminal Justice System by addressing the root causes of disengagement and offending behaviour at the earliest stage.

Your Experience Will Include:

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils
• Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour
• Working with students with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges
• A specific focus on working with children with mild learning difficulties
• Developing independence by teaching life skills, decision-making, and self-advocacy
• Building key skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving
• Mentoring pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
• Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
• Using trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches
• Supporting classroom learning where appropriate
• Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners
• Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care

This role offers invaluable experience for graduates considering careers in Criminal Justice, Probation, Youth Offending Services, Policing, Social Work, or the Prison Service.

Why This Role Is Valuable Experience for an Aspiring Criminal Justice Officer

• You will develop a strong understanding of adolescent behaviour, SEMH, and the factors that lead to offending
• Insight into the link between trauma, behaviour, attendance, and criminality
• Practical experience supporting complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Key skills in mentoring, de-escalation, restorative practice, and relationship-building
• An understanding of how to promote independence and positive life choices in young people
• First-hand exposure to how early intervention can divert young people away from the criminal justice system
• A working knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and multi-agency working
• The ability to build trust and rapport with some of the most disengaged and vulnerable young people in society

Why Join Milk Education?

• Training & CPD: Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness. Career-focused development aligned with Criminal Justice and Psychology pathways.
• Wellbeing & Support: Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling). A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals in Criminal Justice.
• Benefits for You: Competitive daily pay (£108), fast-track registration and compliance, flexible working opportunities, 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews, free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses), free wellbeing resources and school preparation materials, 24/7 consultant support, work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency, nationwide network of schools and trusts.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
• Aspiring Criminal Justice Officers, Probation Officers, Youth Offending Teams, or Policing Professionals
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
• Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs
• Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing
• Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
• Individuals who are specifically interested in supporting students with mild learning difficulties and fostering independence
• Graduates eager to apply their knowledge to divert young people away from the criminal justice system

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.