At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with high support autism and non-verbal communication needs.
- Company: Join Milk Education, a leading eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Earn £108/day, enjoy flexible hours, and access free CPD courses.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with dedicated consultants and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Psychology, Criminology, or Health & Social Care graduates.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29910 £ per year.
Location: Maidenhead
Start Date: September 2026 (Position start dates: 7th September & 14th September)
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (Term Time Only)
Are you a Psychology or Criminology Graduate in Maidenhead looking to gain hands‑on experience with high-support needs? Are you an aspiring Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, or Educational Psychologist wanting to understand the intricacies of non‑verbal communication and complex autism? Milk Education, a wellbeing‑led and eco‑friendly education agency, is recruiting graduates to work in a Maidenhead secondary school, specifically focusing on students with High Support Autism and non‑verbal communication needs.
The Role: Student Support Mentor (Specialist SEN Focus)
We are looking for resilient, empathetic graduates to support students with profound communication barriers and sensory needs. This role is ideal for those pursuing careers in Clinical, Educational, or Forensic Psychology. Your focus will be on students with:
- Non‑Verbal Autism (utilizing PECS, Makaton, and AAC devices).
- High Support Needs requiring 1:1 intervention.
- Challenging behaviours linked to sensory overload and communication frustration.
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs intertwined with neurodiversity.
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
You will work closely with the school’s SEN team, Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT), and Occupational Therapists (OT) to implement tailored support strategies.
Your Experience Will Include:
- 1:1 and small-group mentoring for non‑verbal pupils with high support autism.
- Supporting emotional regulation and implementing sensory circuits/diets.
- Using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems and visual supports.
- Implementing trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches.
- Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high‑risk learners who have communication barriers.
- Gaining hands‑on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care.
- Collaborating with therapists to deliver speech and language programs.
Why This Role Is Valuable Experience
This role provides a direct pathway into:
- Clinical and Educational Psychology (understanding neurodiversity).
- Speech and Language Therapy (communication interventions).
- Youth Justice and Mental Health (understanding the link between communication and behaviour).
You will develop:
- A strong understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and non‑verbal cognition.
- Practical skills in de‑escalation, sensory support, and motivation.
Why Join Milk Education?
Training & CPD
- Free CPD including Autism Awareness, De‑escalation, PECS/Makaton awareness, and Safeguarding.
- Career‑focused development aligned with psychology and mental health pathways.
Wellbeing & Support
- Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling).
- A dedicated consultant who understands your long‑term career goals.
Benefits for You
- Competitive daily pay (£108/day).
- Fast‑track registration and compliance.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- 5‑star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews.
- Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses).
- FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials.
- 24/7 consultant support.
- Work with the UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Health & Social Care graduates.
- Aspiring Psychologists, Mental Health Practitioners, Youth Workers, or OTs.
- Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals.
- Graduates passionate about supporting students with High Support Autism.
- Candidates confident building relationships with non‑verbal or challenging learners.
Trial Days & Interviews:
All trial days will commence in September 2026. Position Start Dates: Monday 7th September & Monday 14th September 2026. Interviews will be arranged to suit your availability.
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.
Learning Support Assistant – Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist 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 Learning Support Assistant – Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Maidenhead
✨Get Involved with Psychology Networks
Join local psychology groups or online forums to connect with professionals and get the inside scoop on temporary opportunities. Engaging in these communities can lead to recommendations that might not be advertised anywhere else!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Voluntary Work
Consider taking on voluntary roles in mental health charities or community programmes. This not only builds your experience but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to temporary positions.
✨Keep Your Applications Customised and Fresh
Given the temporary nature of the roles, be super quick with your applications. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your adaptability and readiness for immediate start dates, and don't hesitate to apply through our website for the best chances!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs or workshops specifically aimed at psychology students and graduates. These events are perfect for networking and discovering temporary roles directly with employers—plus you can often leave a lasting impression in-person!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant – Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, highlighting your academic achievements is crucial. Make sure your CV emphasises your relevant coursework, grades, and any special projects or research you've undertaken in psychology. We want to see how your studies have prepared you for the role at Milk Education.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Focus on your passion for psychology and how this temporary role fits into your career goals. Discuss any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for Learning Support Assistant – Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Maidenhead at Milk Education and tie it back to your motivation for applying.
Mention Any Relevant Experience:Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, relevant experience can set you apart. Highlight any practical applications of psychology you've been involved with, such as counselling, research assistance, or community outreach. It's all about demonstrating your hands-on understanding of the field!
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your cover letter. Let Milk Education know that you're ready to jump in and learn, and that you can handle quick changes in tasks. We want to see how you'll thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In psychology, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles or academic projects. Prepare a couple of real-life examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your strength in this area.
✨Understand the Role’s Context
A temporary position in psychology may involve specific populations or clinical settings. Familiarise yourself with any special considerations or methodologies that apply to the context of the job at Milk Education. This could include particular therapeutic approaches or assessment tools - knowing these can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet and apply psychological principles in real-world scenarios. Practise how you would approach a hypothetical situation, perhaps dealing with a distressed client or assessing their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Be sure to emphasise your ability to step into various roles or tasks as needed. Share examples that show how you've thrived in changing situations or learned new skills rapidly.
