At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with emotional needs in a nurturing educational environment.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £100-£110 per day with flexible start dates and full training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term employment and professional growth in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and therapy while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; empathy and commitment to youth support are key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 27500 £ per year.
Learning Support Assistant – Specialist Alternative Provision Newham, London | £100-£110 per day | Full-time | Immediate Start
Are you a psychology or therapy graduate looking for the experience that sets your application apart? If you are working towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy – or simply want to confirm that working with children and young people is the right path for you – this role offers exactly the kind of hands‑on, meaningful experience that postgraduate programmes and employers are looking for.
Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist alternative provision in Newham. This is not a typical classroom assistant role. You will be working in a small, nurturing setting specifically designed for children and young people who have been unable to access mainstream education due to anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), autism, trauma, and complex emotional needs.
About the setting
The provision sits at the heart of one of London’s most diverse and forward‑thinking boroughs – and works with young people who have often had difficult or damaging experiences in traditional education. The focus is on rebuilding trust, emotional safety and a love of learning, using trauma‑informed, person‑centred approaches delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Class sizes are small, support is personalised, and the progress pupils make is genuinely significant.
What you will be doing
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with anxiety, EBSA, autism and additional learning needs
- Building therapeutic, trusting relationships with young people who may initially resist engagement with adults
- Supporting emotional regulation and helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
- Implementing individual support plans in collaboration with teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Encouraging communication, independence and confidence through patience and consistency
- Using trauma‑informed and person‑centred strategies to help pupils gradually re‑engage with learning
Why this role is ideal for your career
Working in this setting gives you direct, documented experience across areas central to careers in psychology, therapy and SEND – including supporting children with EBSA and anxiety, understanding how trauma shapes behaviour and learning, applying person‑centred approaches in a real educational context, and contributing to multi‑agency working alongside teachers, therapists and clinical professionals. Many graduates use this role to strengthen their postgraduate applications, build a reflective practice portfolio, and confirm whether educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational therapy, SEMH support or youth justice is the right direction for them.
Start dates – flexible to suit you
Trial period June and July 2026, with a confirmed September 2026 start. We welcome applications from candidates ready to begin now, and equally from those who want to secure the role ahead of a later start date.
Who we are looking for
You do not need prior school‑based experience. What matters is your empathy, your curiosity and your commitment to working with vulnerable young people. We would love to hear from you if you have a degree in psychology, education, sociology, criminology, occupational therapy or a related field (or are currently studying), along with experience in care, youth work, mentoring or volunteering with vulnerable individuals. A genuine interest in child development, mental health, SEN or therapeutic education is essential, as is a calm, reflective and patient approach and the ability to build trust with young people who may find relationships with adults difficult. Full training and onboarding support are provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers
- £100-£110 per day
- A dedicated SEN consultant who will take the time to understand your career goals
- DBS fast‑track support
- Flexible start dates to suit your circumstances
- A genuine pathway to long‑term or permanent employment within the setting
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory professional references. Right to work in the UK is required. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham in London employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for graduates to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive and nurturing environment. Located in the diverse borough of Newham, our specialist alternative provision focuses on trauma-informed approaches, ensuring that every team member contributes to meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable young people. With flexible start dates, dedicated support from experienced consultants, and a clear pathway to long-term employment, we are committed to fostering professional growth and making a positive impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and psychology fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about opportunities. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with volunteering! Look for opportunities to work with children or young people, especially those with additional needs. This experience will not only boost your CV but also give you real-life insights into the role of a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed care and emotional support. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy and patience. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to share your passion for helping vulnerable young people!
✨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 individuals like you who are eager to make a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. This will help your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your psychology or therapy background, and any experience you have with emotional support or trauma-informed practices. We want to see how you fit into our unique setting!
Be Authentic:When writing your application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your personal journey and what drives you to work in this field.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your potential new role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand trauma-informed practices and how they apply to education. Brush up on key concepts related to anxiety, EBSA, and autism, as well as the importance of building trust with young people. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your experiences that highlight your empathy and ability to connect with vulnerable individuals. Whether it's through volunteering, mentoring, or personal experiences, demonstrating your understanding of their challenges will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the setting. Inquire about the specific strategies used to support students with complex emotional needs or how the multidisciplinary team collaborates. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key when working with young people who may struggle to trust adults. Be open about your motivations for applying and your passion for supporting children’s development. A calm and reflective approach will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
