At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing in a hands-on role.
- Company: Independent SEN school in Kingston Upon Thames with a dedicated team.
- Benefits: £104 per day, full training provided, and opportunities for career exploration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting SEMH needs; no previous experience required.
- Other info: Small-school environment with excellent support and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Kingston Upon Thames, London
Contract: Full-time, term-time only
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £104 per day
Are you passionate about understanding and supporting young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing? Do you want hands-on experience in SEMH settings while exploring a career as a Clinical or Educational Psychologist?
About the School
An independent SEN school in Kingston Upon Thames is seeking a motivated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant / Aspiring Clinical Psychologist to join their dedicated team. The school supports students aged 3 – 19 with social, emotional and mental health needs and associated challenging behaviours. Some of the needs you will be supporting are:
- Severe and complex speech and language difficulties: Pupils may struggle with expressive language, understanding spoken language, speech sound production, and social communication (pragmatics).
- Autism-related needs: Many pupils require support with social interaction, flexibility of thinking, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and understanding social cues.
- Social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH): Anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties managing change are common, often linked to communication barriers.
- Learning differences linked to communication needs: While many pupils have average or above-average cognitive ability, their language needs significantly impact access to the curriculum, literacy, and academic progress.
- Sensory processing differences: Pupils may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to noise, light, touch, or movement and benefit from carefully structured, low-arousal environments.
- Executive functioning and independence needs: Support is often required with organisation, attention, planning, transitions, and developing independence skills.
Overall, pupils benefit from a highly specialist, therapy-led approach, integrating education with speech and language therapy, strong pastoral support, predictable routines, and personalised strategies that enable them to communicate effectively, access learning, and develop socially and emotionally.
This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduates to gain practical experience in restorative, trauma-informed approaches, and to develop skills essential for a future career in clinical psychology, educational psychology, or therapeutic roles.
Person Specification
- Passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build strong, supportive relationships.
- Calm, empathetic, resilient, and able to work in challenging situations.
- Motivated, professional, and enthusiastic to learn.
- No previous experience required, full training and CPD provided.
What We Offer
- Hands-on experience with vulnerable, disengaged students.
- Opportunities to explore careers in clinical psychology, educational psychology, therapy, or SEN support.
- A supportive, small-school environment where you can make a real difference every day.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting disengaged young people and helping them see the value of education, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Charlie Hayes for more information.
You must have the right to work in the UK.
Aspiring Clinical Psychologist in Kingston upon Thames employer: Pertemps Education Network
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Education Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Clinical Psychologist in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of clinical psychology through LinkedIn or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SEMH needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share your experiences and motivations for wanting to support young people with SEMH needs. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see your application and help you kickstart your career in psychology!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Clinical Psychologist in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand what we’re looking for in an Aspiring Clinical Psychologist so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting young people with SEMH needs. In your application, share any relevant experiences or motivations that highlight your passion for mental health and education.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. We value authenticity, so feel free to express your unique perspective and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Education Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with SEMH challenges and how they impact learning. This will show your passion and commitment to helping young people.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with others. Share examples of how you've supported someone in a challenging situation or how you’ve built relationships in the past. This is crucial for a role focused on emotional wellbeing.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting students. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through! The school is looking for someone who is calm, resilient, and enthusiastic. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so don’t be afraid to share your genuine passion for psychology and education.