At a Glance
- Tasks: Support non-verbal students with severe needs through sensory and movement-based approaches.
- Company: Join Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Earn £108 per day, enjoy flexible hours, and access free CPD courses.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy or related fields.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Psychology, Art, or Social Science graduates passionate about supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 20412 - 24948 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology Graduate in Islington 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 Islington.
The Role: SEN Learning Support Assistant
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
Working with students who have severe needs and are non-verbal means:
- 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
Safeguarding commitment
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines. Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Psychology Graduate – Islington – Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Occupational Therapist 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 Psychology Graduate – Islington – Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Occupational Therapist
✨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 Psychology Graduate – Islington – Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Occupational Therapist 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 Psychology Graduate – Islington – Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Occupational Therapist
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.
