Aspiring Occupational Therapist – Learning Support Assistant Maidenhead

Aspiring Occupational Therapist – Learning Support Assistant Maidenhead

Location: Maidenhead Start Date: September 2026 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only) Pay: £108 per day Trial/observation days available

Gain frontline experience supporting vulnerable young people while reinforcing the value of education as a pathway to positive outcomes.

Are you an aspiring Occupational Therapist looking to build a career in mental health, sensory integration, or education?

This specialist provision in Maidenhead supports vulnerable students who are academically capable but require additional support due to Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

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.

They are seeking an Aspiring Occupational Therapist to work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting students to re‑engage, achieve academically, and rebuild confidence in their ability.

In this setting, education is not just about attainment — it is about changing life trajectories.

Why this role is unique

Unlike mainstream settings, this provision focuses on students who have the ability to succeed academically, but need targeted support to overcome barriers such as:

• SEMH needs (anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges)
• Previous disengagement from education
• Interrupted school journeys
• Low confidence despite strong academic potential
• Sensory processing difficulties that impact focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation

Your role will centre on unlocking that potential and reinforcing the importance of education in shaping future opportunities.

• How this role develops your experience
• Understanding behaviour: Gain insight into the sensory and psychological drivers behind disengagement
• Re‑engagement strategies: Learn how to bring students back into education successfully
• Academic mentoring: Support capable students to achieve and exceed expectations
• Safeguarding experience: Work closely with vulnerable young people in a structured setting
• Relationship building: Become a consistent, trusted adult
• Occupational Therapy insight: Build foundational experience for future OT Master’s/Doctorate applications, particularly in sensory integration and child development
• How Occupational Therapy Supports Non‑Verbal Children

In this role, you will gain first‑hand exposure to the powerful ways occupational therapy principles can reach students who struggle with verbal communication.

For non‑verbal children and those with selective mutism or severe anxiety, occupational therapy offers a holistic approach to processing emotions, building trust, and engaging with their education.

• Through sensory activities, fine motor tasks, and daily living skills, these students can:
• Regulate their sensory systems through tailored activities (e. g., proprioceptive input, heavy work, calming sensory corners), which reduces anxiety and helps them achieve a calm, alert state for learning.
• Develop fine motor and coordination skills through practical tasks like handwriting, cutting, and manipulating objects, which directly impacts their ability to access the curriculum and build academic confidence.
• Communicate needs and emotions non‑verbally by using sensory preferences and behaviours as a window into their internal state, allowing you to interpret and respond to their needs without relying on spoken language.
• Build a sense of control and agency by making choices about sensory tools, movement breaks, and activity stations, which is particularly empowering for children who feel unheard or overwhelmed.
• Develop daily living and self‑regulation skills (e. g., managing transitions, organising materials, following routines) that are essential for independence both in school and beyond.
• Express and process traumatic experiences through physical, sensory‑based activities that do not require verbal disclosure, allowing for healing in a safe, non‑judgemental environment.

By witnessing this process daily, you will develop a deep, practical understanding of how sensory and motor interventions can transform a child’s educational and emotional journey—a foundational insight for any aspiring occupational therapist.

• 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 SEMH and sensory support to improve focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation
• Work with teachers and therapists to deliver tailored support strategies, including sensory diets and movement breaks
• 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 (or related field such as Psychology, Health Sciences, or Child Development)
• Strong interest in sensory integration, mental health, or paediatric OT
• Passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed academically and develop independence
• Resilient, patient, and consistent
• Able to build strong, trusting relationships
• What’s in it for you
• Fast‑track registration
• Flexible working options
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses, including sensory integration and SEMH training
• Free wellbeing resources
• Discount and perks platform
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunity to work with an eco‑friendly education agency
• Valuable frontline experience for Occupational Therapy Master’s/Doctorate applications

If you want to make a real impact by helping vulnerable but capable students reconnect with education, we’d love to hear from you.

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 Df E, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

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