At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory and communication strategies.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free CPD courses, and flexible working opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a real difference in students' lives.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy or related fields.
- Qualifications: Psychology, Art, Creative, Sport Science, or Social Science graduates welcome.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology Graduate in Haringey looking to build hands-on experience before progressing into Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, or another therapeutic career? Do you want a role that goes beyond the classroom and gives you real-world exposure to severe needs, non-verbal students, sensory regulation, and communication support?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology and Creative graduates to join a highly specialist SEN school in Haringey.
This specialist provision supports pupils with severe needs, including high-support Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and Global Developmental Delay (GDD). Many pupils are non-verbal, making this role ideal for graduates who are empathetic, observant, and interested in sensory and movement-based approaches to communication and regulation.
Why this role suits Aspiring Occupational Therapists:
- Working with non-verbal students with severe needs requires a deep understanding of:
- Sensory processing differences – how pupils experience touch, sound, movement, and space
- Fine and gross motor skills – supporting pupils with physical disabilities and motor delays
- Sensory regulation – identifying triggers, creating calm spaces, and using sensory tools to prevent distress
- Environmental adaptation – adjusting tasks and surroundings to enable participation
- Non-verbal communication – reading body language, facial expression, and movement as communication
Your experience will give you a strong foundation for Occupational Therapy training, particularly in paediatrics, sensory integration, and complex needs.
Your Experience Will Include:
- Supporting sensory regulation and sensory care (e.g., sensory diets, sensory rooms, equipment)
- Providing personal care (toileting, hygiene, feeding, and positioning) – essential for understanding the physical needs of students with severe disabilities
- Facilitating communication through play, art, music, visuals, sensory tools, and movement
- Assisting with daily therapeutic activities inspired by Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), and Clinical Psychology
- Developing an understanding of behaviour as communication, emotional regulation, and individual sensory profiles
- Supporting fine motor development (e.g., grip, mark-making, using tools) and gross motor skills (e.g., positioning, moving, balance)
This is an outstanding opportunity for graduates planning postgraduate training in Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Physiotherapy, or related therapeutic pathways.
Understanding Severe Needs & Non-Verbal Students:
- Every behaviour has meaning – you will learn to interpret what a pupil is communicating through movement, sound, or distress
- Sensory needs are central – many pupils experience the world differently and need support to feel safe and regulated
- Progress looks different – small wins (a moment of eye contact, a calmer transition, a reached-for object) are huge achievements
In this role, you will learn how to tailor support to each child’s unique sensory and physical needs, helping them make meaningful progress in a safe and nurturing environment.
Why Join Milk Education?
- Training & CPD: Free CPD including Autism Awareness, Makaton, PECS, Sensory Processing, Behaviour & De-escalation, and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Career-focused development aligned with Occupational Therapy and therapy routes
- Wellbeing & Support: Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform, including counselling
- A dedicated consultant invested in your long-term career goals
Benefits for You:
- Competitive daily pay (£108 per day)
- Fast-track registration and compliance
- Flexible working opportunities
- 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
- Free access to the Milk Academy with 1,000+ discounted accredited CPD courses
- FREE wellbeing resources, PSHE materials, and school preparation packs
- 24/7 consultant support
- Access to Unbottled, bringing lived-experience speakers into schools
- Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
- Nationwide network of schools and trusts
Who We’re Looking For:
- Psychology, Art, Creative, Sport Science, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Occupational Therapists or therapists working with severe needs
- Caring, patient, and resilient individuals
- Candidates comfortable supporting personal care as part of holistic SEN support for non-verbal students with severe disabilities
- Graduates keen to use sensory, movement, and play-based approaches to support communication and regulation
Aspiring Occupational Therapist - SEN TA (Autism & PMLD) in London employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for aspiring Occupational Therapists, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist SEN school in Haringey. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and career development aligned with therapeutic pathways, you will be supported by a dedicated consultant and have access to a wealth of resources, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding work environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working in a nurturing and eco-friendly setting that values your growth and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Occupational Therapist - SEN TA (Autism & PMLD) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of Occupational Therapy and SEN support. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteering or shadowing in schools or therapy settings can give you a real taste of what it’s like to work with non-verbal students. Plus, it’ll beef up your CV and show potential employers that you’re serious about this career path.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN and Occupational Therapy. Think about scenarios where you’ve demonstrated empathy and adaptability. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and maybe even do a mock interview with a friend!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate graduates like you who are ready to make a difference in the lives of students with severe needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Occupational Therapist - SEN TA (Autism & PMLD) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with SEN students! Share any relevant experiences or coursework that highlight your interest in Occupational Therapy and supporting non-verbal students. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your psychology background and any experience with sensory regulation or communication support. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to work in this specific role and how your experiences have prepared you for it. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see authenticity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sensory processing, communication strategies, and the specific needs of non-verbal students. Familiarise yourself with terms like sensory diets and environmental adaptation, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the emotional and physical challenges faced by students with severe needs. Share any relevant experiences where you've shown patience and compassion, as this role requires a caring approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting non-verbal students and how they implement sensory regulation techniques. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to discuss hypothetical situations or case studies related to supporting students with severe needs. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, focusing on communication and sensory support strategies, to showcase your problem-solving skills.
