At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory and communication techniques.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-focused and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, flexible hours, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy or related fields.
- Qualifications: Psychology or related degree; caring, patient, and resilient individuals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant – Specialist Autism & PMLD School (Severe Needs & Non-Verbal Students)
Start Date: September 2026
Are you a Psychology Graduate in Haringey looking to build hands-on experience before progressing into Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, or another therapeutic career? Do you want a role that goes beyond the classroom and gives you real-world exposure to severe needs, non-verbal students, sensory regulation, and communication support?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology and Creative graduates to join a highly specialist SEN school in Haringey.
The Role: SEN Learning Support Assistant
Location: Haringey
Pay: £108 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Interviews & Trial Days: Available from summer 2026
This specialist provision supports pupils with severe needs, including high-support Autism, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and Global Developmental Delay (GDD). Many pupils are non-verbal, making this role ideal for graduates who are empathetic, observant, and interested in sensory and movement-based approaches to communication and regulation.
Why this role suits Aspiring Occupational Therapists
- Working with non-verbal students with severe needs requires a deep understanding of:
- Sensory processing differences – how pupils experience touch, sound, movement, and space
- Fine and gross motor skills – supporting pupils with physical disabilities and motor delays
- Sensory regulation – identifying triggers, creating calm spaces, and using sensory tools to prevent distress
- Environmental adaptation – adjusting tasks and surroundings to enable participation
- Non-verbal communication – reading body language, facial expression, and movement as communication
Your experience will give you a strong foundation for Occupational Therapy training, particularly in paediatrics, sensory integration, and complex needs.
Your Experience Will Include
- Supporting sensory regulation and sensory care (e.g., sensory diets, sensory rooms, equipment)
- Providing personal care (toileting, hygiene, feeding, and positioning) – essential for understanding the physical needs of students with severe disabilities
- Facilitating communication through play, art, music, visuals, sensory tools, and movement
- Assisting with daily therapeutic activities inspired by Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), and Clinical Psychology
- Developing an understanding of behaviour as communication, emotional regulation, and individual sensory profiles
- Supporting fine motor development (e.g., grip, mark-making, using tools) and gross motor skills (e.g., positioning, moving, balance)
This is an outstanding opportunity for graduates planning postgraduate training in Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Physiotherapy, or related therapeutic pathways.
Understanding Severe Needs & Non-Verbal Students
- Every behaviour has meaning – you will learn to interpret what a pupil is communicating through movement, sound, or distress
- Sensory needs are central – many pupils experience the world differently and need support to feel safe and regulated
- Progress looks different – small wins (a moment of eye contact, a calmer transition, a reached-for object) are huge achievements
In this role, you will learn how to tailor support to each child’s unique sensory and physical needs, helping them make meaningful progress in a safe and nurturing environment.
Why Join Milk Education?
- Training & CPD
- Free CPD including Autism Awareness, Makaton, PECS, Sensory Processing, Behaviour & De-escalation, and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Career-focused development aligned with Occupational Therapy and therapy routes
- Wellbeing & Support
- Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform, including counselling
- A dedicated consultant invested in your long-term career goals
- Benefits for You
- Competitive daily pay (£108 per day)
- Fast-track registration and compliance
- Flexible working opportunities
- 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
- Free access to the Milk Academy with 1,000+ discounted accredited CPD courses
- FREE wellbeing resources, PSHE materials, and school preparation packs
- 24/7 consultant support
- Access to Unbottled, bringing lived-experience speakers into schools
- Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
- Nationwide network of schools and trusts
Who We’re Looking For
- Psychology, Art, Creative, Sport Science, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Occupational Therapists or therapists working with severe needs
- Caring, patient, and resilient individuals
- Candidates comfortable supporting personal care as part of holistic SEN support for non-verbal students with severe disabilities
- Graduates keen to use sensory, movement, and play-based approaches to support communication and regulation
Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer for Psychology Graduates in Haringey, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist SEN school. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and career development aligned with therapeutic pathways, our supportive work culture fosters growth and resilience. Join us to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from competitive pay, flexible working options, and access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to working with non-verbal students. Use role-play with friends or family to build your confidence and get comfortable discussing your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting students with severe needs during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've used sensory approaches or communication strategies in past experiences to demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’re all about helping you find the right fit, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate – Haringey – Aspiring Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with non-verbal students and those with severe needs. Share any relevant experiences or coursework that highlight your commitment to this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight any experience with sensory regulation, communication support, or personal care to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your aspirations in Occupational Therapy and how this position will help you achieve them.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sensory processing, communication strategies, and the specific needs of non-verbal students. Familiarise yourself with terms like sensory diets and environmental adaptation, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the emotional and physical challenges faced by students with severe needs. Share any relevant experiences where you've shown patience and compassion, as this role requires a caring and resilient attitude.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting non-verbal students and how they implement sensory regulation techniques. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to discuss hypothetical situations or case studies related to supporting students with severe needs. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, focusing on communication, sensory support, and personal care, as these are crucial aspects of the job.
