At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with communication barriers using non-verbal resources and assistive technology.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Maidenhead focused on empowering young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training provided, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
- Other info: No school experience needed; passion and attitude are what matter most!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable skills for your future career.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduates or those with care/youth work experience are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire
Start Date: September 2026
Pay: £108 per day | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–3:30pm | Contract: Full-time, Term Time Only
Are you a Psychology graduate or aspiring Speech & Language Therapist looking for hands‑on experience with non‑verbal communication and speech language support? Do you want to help young people with communication barriers, selective mutism, autism, or trauma‑related speech hesitancy find their voice—without relying on words alone?
We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist provision in Maidenhead, supporting students with SEMH needs, emotionally based school avoidance, and complex communication challenges. This role is heavily focused on non‑verbal resources and speech language development—using PECS, Makaton, visual aids, emotion cards, sensory tools, and assistive communication technology to help students express themselves and engage with learning.
The Learning Support Assistant Role
- You will support students who struggle with:
- Anxiety, depression, and school avoidance
- Selective mutism and speech hesitancy
- Autism and social communication difficulties
- Trauma impacting verbal expression
Your focus will be on:
- Delivering non‑verbal communication interventions (PECS, Makaton, visual timetables, now/next boards)
- Supporting speech and language development through targeted activities and assistive tech
- Building trust and emotional safety to reduce communication anxiety
- Helping students regulate emotions and re‑engage with education
- Collaborating with Maidenhead community services, speech therapists, and mental health teams
Why This Role is Ideal For:
- Aspiring Speech & Language Therapists
- Future Educational or Clinical Psychologists
- Those pursuing Mental Health, Youth Justice, or Safeguarding careers
You will gain practical experience in:
- Non‑verbal communication strategies (visual prompts, gesture, sensory regulation)
- Supporting speech delay, selective mutism, and autism‑related communication needs
- Trauma‑informed, person‑centred approaches
- Building rapport with hard‑to‑reach young people
- Multi‑agency working within the Maidenhead area
What You’ll Be Doing:
- 1:1 and small‑group support using non‑verbal resources
- Implementing visual schedules, emotion cards, and communication boards
- Using assistive technology and apps to support expressive language
- Encouraging emotional regulation and confidence in communication
- Recording progress and feeding back to speech therapists and SENCOs
- Engaging students in community‑based activities around Maidenhead to build real‑world communication skills
What We’re Looking For:
- Psychology graduate or experience in care/youth work/SEND support
- Genuine interest in non‑verbal communication and speech language development
- Patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Willingness to learn PECS, Makaton, and sensory regulation (training provided)
- Commitment to supporting the Maidenhead community
No school experience required—attitude and passion matter most. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding. All applicants undergo thorough compliance checks in line with DfE and APSCo guidelines. Full CPD training on non‑verbal tools and speech language support is provided.
Aspiring Psychologist – Non-Verbal & Speech Language Support – LSA – Maidenhead employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Non-Verbal & Speech Language Support – LSA – 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 Psychologist – Non-Verbal & Speech Language Support – LSA – 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 Psychologist – Non-Verbal & Speech Language Support – LSA – 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.
