At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with emotional needs in a nurturing educational environment.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £100-£110 per day with flexible start dates and full training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term employment and professional growth in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and therapy while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; empathy and commitment to youth support are key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 27500 £ per year.
Learning Support Assistant – Specialist Alternative Provision Newham, London | £100-£110 per day | Full-time | Immediate Start
Are you a psychology or therapy graduate looking for the experience that sets your application apart? If you are working towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy – or simply want to confirm that working with children and young people is the right path for you – this role offers exactly the kind of hands‑on, meaningful experience that postgraduate programmes and employers are looking for.
Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist alternative provision in Newham. This is not a typical classroom assistant role. You will be working in a small, nurturing setting specifically designed for children and young people who have been unable to access mainstream education due to anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), autism, trauma, and complex emotional needs.
About the setting
The provision sits at the heart of one of London’s most diverse and forward‑thinking boroughs – and works with young people who have often had difficult or damaging experiences in traditional education. The focus is on rebuilding trust, emotional safety and a love of learning, using trauma‑informed, person‑centred approaches delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Class sizes are small, support is personalised, and the progress pupils make is genuinely significant.
What you will be doing
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with anxiety, EBSA, autism and additional learning needs
- Building therapeutic, trusting relationships with young people who may initially resist engagement with adults
- Supporting emotional regulation and helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
- Implementing individual support plans in collaboration with teachers, therapists and external professionals
- Encouraging communication, independence and confidence through patience and consistency
- Using trauma‑informed and person‑centred strategies to help pupils gradually re‑engage with learning
Why this role is ideal for your career
Working in this setting gives you direct, documented experience across areas central to careers in psychology, therapy and SEND – including supporting children with EBSA and anxiety, understanding how trauma shapes behaviour and learning, applying person‑centred approaches in a real educational context, and contributing to multi‑agency working alongside teachers, therapists and clinical professionals. Many graduates use this role to strengthen their postgraduate applications, build a reflective practice portfolio, and confirm whether educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational therapy, SEMH support or youth justice is the right direction for them.
Start dates – flexible to suit you
Trial period June and July 2026, with a confirmed September 2026 start. We welcome applications from candidates ready to begin now, and equally from those who want to secure the role ahead of a later start date.
Who we are looking for
You do not need prior school‑based experience. What matters is your empathy, your curiosity and your commitment to working with vulnerable young people. We would love to hear from you if you have a degree in psychology, education, sociology, criminology, occupational therapy or a related field (or are currently studying), along with experience in care, youth work, mentoring or volunteering with vulnerable individuals. A genuine interest in child development, mental health, SEN or therapeutic education is essential, as is a calm, reflective and patient approach and the ability to build trust with young people who may find relationships with adults difficult. Full training and onboarding support are provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers
- £100-£110 per day
- A dedicated SEN consultant who will take the time to understand your career goals
- DBS fast‑track support
- Flexible start dates to suit your circumstances
- A genuine pathway to long‑term or permanent employment within the setting
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory professional references. Right to work in the UK is required. 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.
Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for graduates to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive and nurturing environment. Located in the diverse borough of Newham, our specialist alternative provision focuses on trauma-informed approaches, ensuring that every Learning Support Assistant can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. With flexible start dates, dedicated support from a SEN consultant, and a clear pathway to long-term employment, we are committed to fostering professional growth and creating a positive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and psychology fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about opportunities. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed care and emotional support. Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to share your passion for helping young people!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through volunteering or internships. If you can, get involved in activities that allow you to work with children or young people facing challenges. This hands-on experience will not only boost your CV but also give you real stories to share during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of our resources and guidance to land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Trauma‑Informed Learning Support Assistant – Newham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. This will help your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your psychology or therapy background and any experience related to trauma-informed practices. We want to see how you fit into our unique setting!
Be Authentic:When writing your application, be yourself! Share your genuine thoughts on why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand trauma-informed practices and how they apply to education. Brush up on key concepts related to anxiety, EBSA, and autism, as well as the specific needs of vulnerable young people. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share personal experiences or examples that highlight your empathy and ability to connect with young people. Discuss any relevant volunteering or mentoring roles you've had, and how these experiences have shaped your understanding of working with vulnerable individuals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the setting. Inquire about the support systems in place for both staff and students, or ask how the team collaborates to implement individual support plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key when working with young people who may struggle to trust adults. Be honest about your motivations for applying and your approach to building relationships. A calm and reflective attitude will resonate well with the interviewers and reflect the qualities they are looking for in a candidate.
