At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs and gain hands-on experience in psychology.
- Company: Milk Education, a 5-star rated agency dedicated to mental health in education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free CPD courses, and 24/7 consultant support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on kindness and emotional well-being.
- Why this job: Kickstart your psychology career while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology or related field; passion for SEND and child development.
The predicted salary is between 22050 - 27000 £ per year.
Are you an aspiring psychologist – psychology graduate looking for meaningful, hands‑on experience in child development, SEND, and mental health? Do you want to work in a role that directly supports your aspirations to become a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, or educational psychologist? We are excited to present an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring psychologist – psychology graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant in a specialist education provision. This is a full‑time role designed for graduates seeking in‑depth, practical experience in neurodiversity, mental health support, and therapeutic education.
Location: Kingston, Surrey | Salary: From £105.00 per day | Start Date: ASAP | Contract: Term‑time only, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Why This Role is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist – Psychology Graduate
This LSA role is an invaluable stepping stone for anyone aiming to pursue clinical psychology or occupational therapy. You’ll work with children aged 4–18 who have Autism, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and associated social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. You’ll gain daily exposure to therapeutic practices including sensory integration, emotional regulation strategies, restorative approaches; multidisciplinary collaboration with occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and specialist SEND staff; and real‑world application of psychological principles in observation, behaviour support, and adaptive teaching strategies. This experience helps you develop core competencies essential for future training in clinical psychology and occupational therapy, such as empathy, case formulation, communication skills, and reflective practice. It also deepens your understanding of developmental psychology and trauma‑informed care, key areas in both professions.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils with autism, GDD, PMLD and associated SEMH needs
- Deliver 1:1 and small‑group support tailored to individual learning and behavioural plans
- Work closely with therapy teams to implement occupational and emotional support strategies
- Assist with personal care and sensory support (full training provided)
- Observe and record student progress and behaviour with accuracy and empathy
- Create a safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environment
We’re Looking For
- A degree in Psychology or a related discipline (essential)
- A clear ambition to become a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, or educational psychologist
- Experience working with children or young people with additional needs (desirable)
- Emotional resilience, strong communication, and a nurturing mindset
- Commitment to a full academic year of consistent support
Why Join Milk Education
At Milk Education, we are committed to supporting your growth as an aspiring psychologist – psychology graduate. We partner with schools and professionals who align with our values of kindness, purpose, and emotional well‑being. Through our connection with the Make Life Kind charity, we’re also contributing to better mental health in education across the UK. Let this be the start of your journey toward a career that transforms lives—starting with your own.
Benefits for You
- Competitive daily pay
- Fast‑track registration and compliance
- Flexible working opportunities (term‑time only)
- 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
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your passion for SEND, Autism, and Psychology. 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 Psychologist – Psychology Graduate in Kingston upon Thames employer: Milk Education
At Milk Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer for aspiring psychologists, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment in Kingston, Surrey. Our commitment to your professional growth is evident through our extensive training resources, flexible working opportunities, and a strong focus on mental health and well-being, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Join us to kickstart your career in psychology and contribute to a compassionate community dedicated to transforming lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Psychology Graduate in Kingston upon Thames
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Aspiring Psychologist – Psychology Graduate at Milk Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Psychology Graduate in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Milk Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Milk Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Milk Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Milk Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.