At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students to re-engage with learning and develop essential skills.
- Company: Eco-friendly education agency focused on positive outcomes for students.
- Benefits: Earn £108/day, flexible hours, access to 1000+ CPD courses, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment with excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience for future OT/SLT training.
- Qualifications: No prior school experience needed; passion for helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 27353 - 33431 £ per year.
Location: West Drayton | Start: September 2026 | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time) | Pay: £108/day | Trial/observation days available
What’s in it for you:
- £108 per day
- Fast-track registration
- Flexible working options
- Access to 1000+ CPD courses
- Free wellbeing resources
- Discount and perks platform
- Dedicated consultant support
- Opportunity to work with an eco-friendly education agency
- Valuable frontline experience for OT/SLT Master’s/Doctorate applications
About the role:
Gain frontline experience supporting vulnerable young people while reinforcing the value of education as a pathway to positive outcomes. This specialist provision in West Drayton supports academically capable students who require additional support due to Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, sensory processing difficulties, and motor skill challenges. Many pupils have experienced disruption in their education, and the school’s core focus is re-engaging them with learning and helping them recognise the long-term value of their education.
Your role will centre on unlocking that potential and reinforcing the importance of education in shaping future opportunities.
Why this role is unique:
- Focus on students who have the ability to succeed academically but need targeted support to overcome barriers such as SEMH needs (anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges)
- Sensory processing difficulties affecting focus and regulation
- Fine and gross motor delays impacting handwriting, coordination, and independence
- Previous disengagement from education and interrupted school journeys
- Low confidence despite strong academic potential
How this role develops your OT/SLT experience:
- Sensory regulation – Understand how environmental and sensory inputs affect behaviour, focus, and emotional state
- Motor skills support – Assist students with fine and gross motor activities to improve handwriting, coordination, and classroom participation
- Functional independence – Support students in developing daily living skills and self-regulation strategies
- Behavioural insight – Gain understanding of the sensory and psychological drivers behind disengagement
- Re‑engagement strategies – Learn how to bring students back into education through activity‑based, meaningful interventions
- Safeguarding experience – Work closely with vulnerable young people in a structured setting
- Relationship building – Become a consistent, trusted adult who supports students’ occupational participation
- Therapeutic insight – Build foundational experience for future OT/SLT Master’s/Doctorate training
How Occupational Therapy Supports Students with Sensory and Motor Challenges:
In this role, you will gain first‑hand exposure to the powerful ways activity‑based, sensory‑informed interventions can reach students who struggle with traditional classroom engagement. For children with sensory processing disorders, dyspraxia, or autism, occupational therapy offers an alternative pathway to regulate, participate, and thrive in their education.
Through movement breaks, sensory circuits, fine motor tasks, and environmental adaptations, these students can:
- Regulate their nervous system through structured sensory input, reducing anxiety and improving classroom focus
- Develop motor planning and coordination through targeted activities that build physical skills for writing, using tools, and participating in PE and play
- Build independence in self‑care, organisation, and transitioning between tasks
- Communicate sensory needs and learn to self‑advocate, reducing frustration and behavioural outbursts
- Process traumatic experiences indirectly through safe, physical activities that allow for emotional release without verbal disclosure
By witnessing this process daily, you will develop a deep, practical understanding of how occupational therapy principles can transform a child’s educational and emotional journey — foundational insight for any aspiring OT.
Your responsibilities:
- Support students 1:1 and in small groups to raise academic attainment
- Help pupils re‑engage with learning and build positive routines
- Provide sensory and SEMH support to improve focus, regulation, and behaviour
- Implement fine and gross motor activities to support physical development
- Work with teachers and OTs to deliver tailored support strategies
- Encourage a culture where education is seen as valuable and achievable
- Support a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
The students you support are capable — your role is to help them believe it and act on it.
Who we are looking for:
- No prior school experience required — attitude and intent are key.
- Aspiring Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, or related field (Psychology, Health Sciences, Education)
- Strong interest in sensory integration, mental health, or paediatric rehabilitation
Aspiring OT/Speech Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton in London employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring OT/Speech Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton in London
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Milk Education. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Milk Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring OT/Speech Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Milk Education:Take some time to research Milk Education and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Milk Education's values and approach.
