At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children with communication and emotional needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN schools in Maidenhead dedicated to child development.
- Benefits: Pay of £108 per day, term time only, with full training provided.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent support for personal growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in psychology or therapy.
- Qualifications: Passion for psychology and experience in care or mentoring preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 21600 £ per year.
Are you passionate about autism, communication development, behaviour, and child psychology? Are you looking to gain hands‑on experience supporting autistic children and young people before pursuing a career in psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, educational psychology, or mental health services?
We are recruiting Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools in Maidenhead, supporting autistic pupils, including non‑verbal students and children with complex communication and sensory needs. This role offers exceptional frontline experience for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long‑term career supporting children with additional needs.
Many pupils within these specialist settings require consistent emotional support, structured routines, sensory regulation, and alternative communication approaches to help them engage safely and confidently in education. Your role will be to provide calm, nurturing, and consistent support throughout the school day, helping students develop communication, independence, emotional regulation, and confidence.
September 2026 Start
Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
The schools are well connected by public transport, with parking available nearby.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
Working as an Autism Support Assistant provides invaluable practical experience for anyone interested in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Behaviour Therapy
- SEN and Specialist Education
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Support
You will gain direct experience supporting:
- Autistic children and young people
- Non‑verbal pupils
- Children with sensory processing differences
- Pupils with communication difficulties
- Students requiring structured routines and emotional regulation support
- Children with SEMH and behavioural needs linked to communication frustration
You will also develop practical understanding of:
- Autism‑friendly communication strategies
- Emotional regulation and co‑regulation
- Behaviour as communication
- Sensory support approaches
- Visual schedules and structured learning
- Relationship‑based support
- Positive behaviour support strategies
- De‑escalation techniques
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Most importantly, you will see first‑hand how consistent adult support and positive relationships can significantly improve a child’s confidence, wellbeing, communication, and ability to engage in learning.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to:
- Help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported
- Support communication and emotional regulation
- Build trust and positive relationships
- Encourage independence and engagement
- Create a calm and predictable learning environment
- Raise attainment
- Help students develop confidence in both learning and social situations
By providing patient and consistent support, you will help children understand that their communication differences and challenges do not define their potential.
What You Will Be Doing
- Supporting autistic pupils on a 1:1 or small‑group basis
- Working with non‑verbal students using visual and communication‑based approaches
- Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs
- Helping pupils engage in lessons and classroom activities
- Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
- Using calm and consistent behaviour support strategies
- Supporting transitions throughout the school day
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Acting as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience
We Would Love to Hear from You If You Have
- A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
- Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
- A calm, patient, and empathetic personality
- Emotional resilience and strong communication skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with vulnerable children and young people
- A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential
You do not need previous school experience. Your attitude, empathy, consistency, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training and ongoing support will be provided as part of your onboarding and professional development.
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead employer: Milk Education
As an employer, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our Autism Support Assistants in Maidenhead. Our work culture prioritises professional growth, offering comprehensive training and hands-on experience that is invaluable for those aspiring to build a career in psychology or related fields. With a focus on emotional support and structured routines, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic children, all while enjoying the benefits of a well-connected location and a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of psychology and autism support. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We can learn so much from their experiences!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteering or shadowing in schools or community centres can give us the practical skills we need. Plus, it shows potential employers that we’re serious about making a difference in the lives of autistic children.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When we apply for roles, make sure to highlight our relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Show them how our passion for autism and child development makes us the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can keep track of our applications easily and stay updated on new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for autism and child psychology shine through in your application. We want to see why you're excited about this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it's not directly related to education. We love seeing skills from care, mentoring, or community services that show your ability to support children.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us your story! Share your motivations for applying and how you can contribute to our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding autism and the specific needs of autistic children. Familiarise yourself with communication strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and sensory support approaches. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you don’t have direct experience in a school setting, think about any relevant roles you've had, like mentoring or youth work. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported others, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting non-verbal students or how they implement emotional regulation strategies. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through! The role requires patience, empathy, and resilience, so be sure to convey these traits during your interview. Share your motivations for wanting to help children with additional needs, and don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
