At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with emotional and learning needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Milk Education, a leader in inclusive education and support.
- Benefits: Earn £108 per day, flexible start dates, and full training provided.
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for graduates seeking impactful roles.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience that boosts your career in psychology or therapy fields.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, or related field preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 33483 £ per year.
Company: Milk Education
Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire (easily accessible by public transport; parking available)
Salary: £108 per day
Job Type: Full-time | Immediate Start | September 2026 start dates available
Are you a psychology, speech and language, or therapy graduate looking for the experience that sets your application apart? This role offers 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 Maidenhead. 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, speech and language difficulties, trauma, and complex emotional needs.
About the setting:
- The provision works with young people who have often experienced significant barriers within traditional education.
- The focus is on rebuilding trust, emotional safety, communication, self-advocacy and a love of learning through trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and person-centred approaches delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team.
- The setting has a particularly strong focus on supporting autistic young people and those with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
What you will be doing:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with anxiety, EBSA, autism, speech and language needs and additional learning difficulties.
- Building therapeutic, trusting relationships with young people who may initially resist engagement with adults.
- Supporting autistic pupils using neurodiversity-affirming approaches that recognise and celebrate individual strengths.
- Supporting non-speaking and minimally speaking pupils through alternative methods of communication.
- Working with visual timetables, communication boards, Makaton, PECS and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) approaches where appropriate.
- Encouraging communication, independence and confidence through patience, consistency and positive relationships.
- Supporting emotional regulation and helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations.
- Implementing individual support plans in collaboration with teachers, therapists and external professionals.
- Advocating for young people's needs, preferences and communication styles within the educational environment.
- Using trauma-informed and person-centred strategies to help pupils gradually re-engage with learning.
- Supporting pupils to develop self-advocacy skills, confidence and independence both inside and outside the classroom.
Autism Advocacy and Inclusive Practice:
- Champion neurodiversity and autism acceptance.
- Support pupils to express their views, preferences and goals.
- Advocate for reasonable adjustments that help young people thrive.
- Help create sensory-aware and communication-friendly learning environments.
- Develop a deeper understanding of autistic communication styles, sensory processing and emotional regulation.
- Learn how to support non-verbal, minimally verbal and alternative communicators effectively.
- Promote independence, autonomy and self-determination.
- Work alongside families and professionals to ensure every young person's voice is represented.
Why this role is ideal for your career:
- Supporting children with emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety.
- Understanding how trauma shapes behaviour, communication and learning.
- Developing knowledge of Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
- Supporting autistic young people using evidence-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
- Gaining exposure to AAC strategies and non-verbal communication support.
- Applying person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in a real educational context.
- Observing and contributing to multi-agency working alongside teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and clinical professionals.
- Building skills in de-escalation, emotional coaching and relationship-based support.
- Learning how communication differences can impact behaviour, learning and wellbeing.
Many graduates use this role to strengthen their UCAS or postgraduate applications, build a reflective practice portfolio, and confirm whether Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, SEMH support or youth justice is the right direction.
Start dates — flexible to suit you:
- Immediate start available.
- September 2026 start date.
We welcome applications from candidates ready to begin now, and equally from graduates 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 supporting vulnerable young people.
- A degree in Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Education, Sociology, Criminology, Occupational Therapy or a related field (or are currently studying).
- Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, support work or volunteering with vulnerable individuals.
- A genuine interest in child development, mental health, autism, speech and language, SEN or therapeutic education.
- A calm, reflective and patient approach.
- The ability to build trust with young people who may find relationships with adults difficult.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
- A passion for inclusion, advocacy and supporting young people to reach their potential.
Full training and onboarding support are provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers:
- £108 per day.
- A dedicated consultant who specialises in SEN and specialist provision recruitment.
- Support throughout your registration including DBS fast-track.
- Flexible start dates to suit your circumstances.
- Genuine pathway to long-term or permanent employment within the setting.
- A consultant who will take the time to understand your career goals and match you to the right school.
Apply now. Our SEN consultant is reviewing applications this weekend. If you apply before Monday, you will be among the first candidates contacted. Apply via Indeed or send your CV directly to the Milk Education SEN team. We welcome calls and messages over the weekend — don't wait.
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.
Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Maidenhead employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a nurturing environment tailored for vulnerable young people. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible start dates, and a supportive work culture that champions inclusion and advocacy, employees can expect meaningful growth and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those they support. Located in Maidenhead, easily accessible by public transport, this role provides a rewarding pathway to long-term career success in the mental health and education sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Maidenhead
✨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 Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Maidenhead 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 Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist / Occupational Therapist Maidenhead
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.
