At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with emotional regulation and behavioural intervention.
- Company: Join Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, flexible hours, and 24/7 consultant support.
- Other info: Outstanding preparation for careers in Clinical Psychology and Counselling.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in youth mental health while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Psychology or Social Science graduates passionate about mental health.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant – Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) School
Focus: Trauma-Informed Support, Emotional Regulation & Behavioural Intervention
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Islington
Pay: £101.40 per day
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (Term Time Only)
Interviews & Trial Days: July–August 2026
Are you a Psychology Graduate looking to build meaningful, front-line experience before pursuing Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling, or Mental Health Services? Do you want to apply your knowledge of developmental psychology, attachment theory, and neurodiversity in a setting that makes a tangible difference to vulnerable young people?
Milk Education – a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency – is seeking passionate Psychology and Social Science graduates to join a specialist SEMH school in Islington.
The Role: SEN Learning Support Assistant
This specialist provision supports pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often stemming from trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment disruptions, and community-based adversities. Many pupils present with behavioural challenges, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty forming trusting relationships.
This role is ideal for psychology graduates who are emotionally intelligent, reflective, resilient, and eager to work in high-impact intervention settings where theory meets practice.
Your Experience Will Include:
- Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and pro-social behaviour using psychologically-informed strategies
- Assisting staff with behaviour management and crisis de-escalation techniques
- Helping facilitate restorative conversations and reflective conflict resolution
- Working 1:1 and in small groups on mentoring, intervention, and therapeutic programmes
- Helping pupils develop coping strategies, emotional literacy, and safer decision-making skills
- Gaining exposure to trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and risk assessment
- Observing and recording behavioural and emotional patterns to support multi-agency assessments
- Understanding the psychological impact of systemic factors such as poverty, family breakdown, community violence, and exposure to criminality
This role provides outstanding preparation for careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling, Play Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, and Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).
Understanding SEMH Through a Psychological Lens
SEMH needs are often rooted in complex interplay between developmental trauma, attachment styles, neurodivergence (including ADHD and Autism), and environmental stressors.
In this role, you will learn how to:
- Build consistent, trusting relationships grounded in attachment theory
- Support pupils to co-regulate and develop emotional intelligence
- Use behaviour as communication to inform interventions
- Help young people re-engage positively with education and social environments
Why Join Milk Education?
Training & CPD (Included): Free CPD in: Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour De-escalation, Safeguarding, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Attachment & Developmental Trauma, ADHD & Autism Awareness, and Restorative Practice. Career-focused development aligned with clinical, educational, and counselling psychology pathways.
Wellbeing & Ongoing Support: Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform, including counselling services. A dedicated consultant committed to your professional and personal development.
Benefits for You:
- Competitive daily pay (£101.40)
- Fast-track registration and compliance
- Flexible working opportunities
- 5-star rated agency with over 3,000 reviews
- Free access to 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
- A nationwide network of schools and trusts
Who We’re Looking For:
- Psychology, Counselling, Developmental Psychology, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, or Mental Health practitioners
- Individuals passionate about early intervention, wellbeing, and safeguarding
- Calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent candidates
- Graduates comfortable supporting challenging behaviour and emotionally complex pupils
- People motivated to make a genuine impact in youth mental health and violence prevention
Safeguarding Commitment
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines. Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Clinical / Educational Psychologist Islington 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 Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Clinical / Educational Psychologist Islington in London
✨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 Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Clinical / Educational Psychologist Islington 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 Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Clinical / Educational Psychologist Islington in London
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.
