Aspiring Art Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton

Location: West Drayton

Start Date: April 2026

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)

Pay: £115.90 per day

Gain frontline experience supporting vulnerable young people while reinforcing the value of education as a pathway to positive outcomes. Are you an aspiring Art Therapist looking to build a career in mental health, creative therapies, or education? This specialist provision in West Drayton supports vulnerable students who are academically capable but require additional support due to Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils have experienced disruption in their education, and the school’s core focus is re‑engaging them with learning and helping them recognise the long‑term value of their education.

They are seeking an Aspiring Art Therapist to work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting students to re‑engage, achieve academically, and rebuild confidence in their ability. In this setting, education is not just about attainment — it is about changing life trajectories.

Why this role is unique

• Unlike mainstream settings, this provision focuses on students who have the ability to succeed academically, but need targeted support to overcome barriers such as:
• SEMH needs (anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges)
• Previous disengagement from education
• Interrupted school journeys
• Low confidence despite strong academic potential

Your role will centre on unlocking that potential and reinforcing the importance of education in shaping future opportunities.

How this role develops your experience

• Understanding behaviour: Gain insight into the psychological drivers behind disengagement
• Re‑engagement strategies: Learn how to bring students back into education successfully
• Academic mentoring: Support capable students to achieve and exceed expectations
• Safeguarding experience: Work closely with vulnerable young people in a structured setting
• Relationship building: Become a consistent, trusted adult
• Creative therapeutic insight: Build foundational experience for future Art Therapy training

Your responsibilities

• Support students 1:1 and in small groups to raise academic attainment
• Help pupils re‑engage with learning and build positive routines
• Provide SEMH support to improve focus and behaviour
• Work with teachers to deliver tailored support strategies
• Encourage a culture where education is seen as valuable and achievable
• Support a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment

The students you support are capable — your role is to help them believe it and act on it.

Who we are looking for

• No prior school experience required — attitude and intent are key.
• Aspiring Art Therapist (or related field such as Psychology, Creative Arts, or Mental Health)
• Strong interest in mental health, creative therapies, or youth support
• Passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed academically
• Resilient, patient, and consistent
• Able to build strong, trusting relationships

What’s in it for you

• £115.90 per day
• Fast‑track registration
• Flexible working options
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses
• Free wellbeing resources
• Discount and perks platform
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunity to work with an eco‑friendly education agency
• Valuable frontline experience for Art Therapy Master’s/Doctorate applications

If you want to make a real impact by helping vulnerable but capable students reconnect with education, we’d love to hear from you. 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.