At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children with communication and emotional needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN schools in Hillingdon dedicated to child development.
- Benefits: Pay of £108 per day, term time only, with full training provided.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in psychology or therapy.
- Qualifications: Passion for psychology and experience in care or mentoring preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about autism, communication development, behaviour, and child psychology? Are you looking to gain hands‑on experience supporting autistic children and young people before pursuing a career in psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, educational psychology, or mental health services? We are recruiting Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools in Hillingdon, supporting autistic pupils, including non‑verbal students and children with complex communication and sensory needs. This role offers exceptional frontline experience for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long‑term career supporting children with additional needs.
Many pupils within these specialist settings require consistent emotional support, structured routines, sensory regulation, and alternative communication approaches to help them engage safely and confidently in education. Your role will be to provide calm, nurturing, and consistent support throughout the school day, helping students develop communication, independence, emotional regulation, and confidence.
September 2026 Start
Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
The schools are well connected by public transport, with parking available nearby.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
Working as an Autism Support Assistant provides invaluable practical experience for anyone interested in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Behaviour Therapy
- SEN and Specialist Education
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Support
You will gain direct experience supporting:
- Autistic children and young people
- Non-verbal pupils
- Children with sensory processing differences
- Pupils with communication difficulties
- Students requiring structured routines and emotional regulation support
- Children with SEMH and behavioural needs linked to communication frustration
You will also develop practical understanding of:
- Autism-friendly communication strategies
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation
- Behaviour as communication
- Sensory support approaches
- Visual schedules and structured learning
- Relationship-based support
- Positive behaviour support strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Most importantly, you will see first‑hand how consistent adult support and positive relationships can significantly improve a child’s confidence, wellbeing, communication, and ability to engage in learning.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to:
- Help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported
- Support communication and emotional regulation
- Build trust and positive relationships
- Encourage independence and engagement
- Create a calm and predictable learning environment
- Raise Attainment!
- Help students develop confidence in both learning and social situations
By providing patient and consistent support, you will help children understand that their communication differences and challenges do not define their potential.
What You Will Be Doing
Supporting autistic pupils on a 1:1 or small‑group basis:
- Working with non‑verbal students using visual and communication-based approaches
- Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs
- Helping pupils engage in lessons and classroom activities
- Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
- Using calm and consistent behaviour support strategies
- Supporting transitions throughout the school day
- Working alongside teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
- Acting as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience
We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:
- A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
- Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
- A calm, patient, and empathetic personality
- Emotional resilience and strong communication skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with vulnerable children and young people
- A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential
You do not need previous school experience. Your attitude, empathy, consistency, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training and ongoing support will be provided as part of your onboarding and professional development.
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Hillingdon in Uxbridge employer: Milk Education
As an employer, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our Autism Support Assistants in Hillingdon. Our work culture prioritises collaboration and professional growth, offering extensive training and hands-on experience that is invaluable for those aspiring to build a career in psychology or related fields. With a focus on emotional support and structured routines, you will play a crucial role in helping children with additional needs thrive, all while being part of a community that values empathy, resilience, and the potential of every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Hillingdon in Uxbridge
✨Get Involved in Local Psychology Events
Jump into some local psychology meetups or seminars. These events are a goldmine for networking and learning about internship opportunities. Plus, you can get to know people who could potentially help you land a gig at cool places like Milk Education!
✨Utilise Your University Career Services
Don’t sleep on your university's career services! They often have exclusive partnerships with local companies for internships, including your dream role at Milk Education. Make an appointment and get them to help you polish your pitch and find openings.
✨Join Online Psychology Communities
Engage in online forums or social media groups focused on psychology. Sites like Reddit, or even Facebook groups, can be fantastic spots to hear about internships and get advice from those who've been through it.
✨Connect with Professors and Alumni
Leverage your professors and alumni networks! They often have industry contacts and can give you the inside scoop on internship opportunities at places like Milk Education. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – most will be more than happy to assist!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Hillingdon in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:In your cover letter, we want to see your enthusiasm for the field of psychology! Mention specific areas that fascinate you and how this internship at Milk Education aligns with your career goals. Make it personal—share any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in psychology.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects:Don’t forget to showcase your academic achievements! Include coursework related to psychology that could be relevant for the internship. We love seeing projects or research papers you’ve worked on, so if you've conducted any studies or have results to share, put those in your CV or cover letter to highlight your practical knowledge.
Emphasise Your Learning Potential:As this is an internship, we want to know what you hope to learn and gain from this experience at Milk Education. In your cover letter, express your willingness to develop specific skills or knowledge areas during your time with us. Demonstrating a learning mindset can really make you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Your CV should reflect your dedication to psychology—make sure to include any relevant volunteer work, internships, or extracurriculars. If you've attended workshops or conferences, jot those down too! Just like we tailor our study resources, you should tailor your CV to highlight what makes you a great fit for this internship at Milk Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key psychology theories and concepts relevant to the position at Milk Education. We might get asked to explain how these theories apply in real-life scenarios, so think about practical examples that showcase your understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
As an intern, your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn can set you apart. Prepare to discuss why you're interested in psychology and what draws you to Milk Education specifically. This is your chance to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but that you genuinely want to grow in this field.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Expect some role-playing exercises in the interview, especially if you're applying for a position that involves client interaction. Practising how you’d handle specific psychological scenarios or dialogues can really show us your potential and approach to real-world problems.
✨Show Off Your Projects
If you've completed any relevant projects, whether academic or voluntary, have them ready to discuss. Highlight what you learned, any methodologies you used, and how these experiences prepared you for your internship at Milk Education. This showcases your practical skills in a field where theory meets application.
