At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism and complex needs through creative and sensory-based approaches.
- Company: Specialist SEN school focused on individual communication and creative expression.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for aspiring therapists seeking to build essential skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining hands-on experience in art therapy.
- Qualifications: Interest in art therapy or psychology; experience with SEN is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Location: Haringey
Trials start: July 2026
Long‑term placements start: September 2026
Pay: £101.40 per day
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm, term time only
Training: Full education, training, and CPD provided
This Learning Support Assistant role is ideal for an aspiring Art Therapist seeking hands‑on experience within a specialist SEN school supporting children and young people with autism (low to high support), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and brain injuries. The setting provides a highly supportive and structured environment, focusing on individual communication styles, sensory engagement, and creative expression. Many pupils have complex needs and benefit from non‑verbal and therapeutic approaches, making this role particularly valuable for those interested in art therapy and alternative communication methods.
Schools that prioritise sensory‑based learning, creative therapies, and personalised education plans offer an excellent foundation for developing the practical skills required for a future career in art therapy. This role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while gaining essential, hands‑on experience supporting pupils with complex needs.
Why this role is ideal for an Aspiring Art Therapist?
- Support pupils with autism, PMLD, and neurological conditions including brain injuries
- Use creative and sensory‑based approaches to support communication, emotional expression, and engagement
- Work with pupils who are non‑verbal or have limited communication, using tools such as PECS, visual aids, and sensory resources
- Gain exposure to art‑based and therapeutic interventions within an educational setting
- Develop understanding of sensory processing, regulation strategies, and individual learning needs
- Work alongside teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary teams, gaining insight into holistic care
- Build key skills such as patience, creativity, adaptability, and emotional awareness
- Positively impact pupils’ confidence, independence, and quality of life
Candidate profile
- A strong interest in art therapy, creative therapies, or psychology
- A background in art, design, psychology, or a related field (desirable)
- Experience working with children or young people with SEN, particularly autism or complex needs (desirable but not essential)
- A calm, patient, and nurturing approach to supporting pupils with high levels of need
- Creativity and willingness to engage in hands‑on, sensory, and artistic activities
- Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with pupils with diverse needs
- A proactive and reflective attitude, with a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
This role is an excellent stepping stone for individuals pursuing careers in art therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or clinical psychology, offering invaluable practical experience within a specialist environment.
Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant Haringey in London employer: Milk Education
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of our staff. Our Learning Support Assistant role in Haringey not only offers competitive pay and comprehensive training but also provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. With a focus on creative therapies and sensory-based learning, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience while working alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant Haringey in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Look for local counselling events, workshops, or meetups in your area. This is a great way for us to connect with other aspiring therapists and make valuable contacts who might know about placements or opportunities at places like Milk Education.
✨Join Professional Bodies
Become a member of professional counselling organisations or student associations related to your field. They often have job boards and placement resources tailored specifically for those in therapy and counselling professions, which could include positions at Milk Education.
✨Utilise Your University Career Services
Don't underestimate the power of your university's career services. They usually have specific resources or contacts in the therapy sector that can help us score a placement, so make sure to utilise them to their fullest potential!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
When you find that perfect placement opportunity at Milk Education, make sure to apply through our website. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll have access to any supporting materials and specific insights about the role that can boost your application and interview prep.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant Haringey in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your passion for helping others:In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you're passionate about therapy and counseling. Share specific experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the field—this makes your application more relatable and memorable to Milk Education.
Tailor your CV to showcase relevant skills:For a placement in therapy and counseling, focus on your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in supportive roles. Include volunteer work, internships, or even relevant coursework to demonstrate your capability to connect with others emotionally and professionally.
Include certificates and professional development:If you have any relevant certificates, training, or workshops you've attended, definitely mention them! This can be a big plus, as it shows your commitment to continuous learning in the therapy and counseling professions, making your application stand out to Milk Education.
Express your learning goals:Since this is a placement, take the opportunity in your application to outline what you hope to learn and gain from the experience. This demonstrates your eagerness to grow professionally and will resonate well with Milk Education, as they're likely looking for enthusiastic individuals ready to expand their skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Empathy Skills
In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. Be prepared to discuss your personal experiences where you've demonstrated this skill. Think back to instances, whether voluntary work or placements, where you listened and supported others — these stories will speak volumes about your suitability for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Make sure you know the ethical standards relevant to therapy and counselling, like those from the BACP or UKCP. During the interview, you might get scenarios to evaluate how you'd handle ethical dilemmas — showing you understand these principles demonstrates readiness for the role.
✨Practise Reflective Listening
In placements, you’ll often be assessed on your listening skills. Practise reflective listening with friends or in mock interviews — this means repeating back what someone has said to show understanding. It’s a great way to highlight your engagement, particularly in a therapeutic context.
✨Talk About Your Learning Goals
As this is a placement role, frame your responses around what you hope to learn and gain from the experience at Milk Education. Highlighting your motivation to grow and adapt shows you’re keen to make the most of the opportunity, which is exactly what placements are about!
