At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory and movement-based approaches.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free CPD training, flexible working, and 24/7 consultant support.
- 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 or related degree; caring and resilient individuals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist Autism & PMLD School (Severe Needs & Non-Verbal Students)
Start Date: September 2026
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.
The Role: SEN Learning Support Assistant
Location: Haringey
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Interviews & Trial Days: Available from summer 2026
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:
- Working with students who have severe needs and are non-verbal means:
- 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
Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for Psychology Graduates in Haringey, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist SEN school. 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, including free CPD courses and mental health support. Join a 5-star rated agency that values your growth and provides a nurturing environment to make a meaningful impact on the lives of non-verbal students with severe needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of Occupational Therapy and SEN education. 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! Volunteer or shadow professionals in settings similar to the role you're after. This will not only boost your CV but also give you real insights into working with non-verbal students and those with severe needs. Plus, it shows your commitment to the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN and Occupational Therapy. Think about scenarios where you’ve demonstrated empathy, patience, and adaptability. We want you to shine and show how you can make a difference in the lives of these students!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate graduates like you who are ready to make an impact in the world of education and therapy.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with non-verbal students and those with severe needs. Share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of an SEN Teaching Assistant.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Focus on showcasing your understanding of sensory processing, communication support, and personal care. These are key areas for this role, so make them stand out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
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 or insights that highlight your ability to connect with and support these individuals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the school’s approach to supporting students. Inquire about their methods for sensory regulation or how they tailor support for individual needs—this shows you’re thinking critically about the position.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios or case studies during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving non-verbal communication or sensory overload, and be prepared to share your thought process and solutions.
