Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant

Are you a graduate or currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology or occupational therapy? Do you want a role where your empathy, patience and resilience can genuinely transform the educational experience of young people who struggle to access school?

We are recruiting several Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a Primary Schools in Durham. This role provides valuable, hands‑on experience supporting children who experience anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (school refusal), autism, communication differences and additional learning needs.

Many pupils come from a range of backgrounds and have struggled to engage with mainstream education due to anxiety, past negative experiences in school, or complex emotional needs. Your role will be to help rebuild their confidence, trust in education and sense of safety in learning environments.

You will work within a small, supportive class team where the focus is on personalised learning, emotional regulation and relationship building, helping pupils gradually re‑engage with education at their own pace.

The school is easily accessible with good transport links, and driving is advantageous with parking available nearby.

Why this role is ideal for aspiring Educational Psychologists, Forensic Psychologists or Occupational Therapists:

This position provides direct experience with children experiencing anxiety, trauma, school avoidance and additional learning needs, which is highly relevant for careers in psychology, therapy and SEND education.

• Supporting children with emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety
• Building trust with pupils who have struggled in traditional education settings
• Using trauma‑informed and person‑centred approaches
• Understanding behaviour linked to anxiety, emotional regulation and past experiences
• Working within a multi‑disciplinary team including teachers, therapists and external professionals
• Helping pupils rebuild confidence, routine and engagement with learning
• Supporting young people from diverse social, cultural and educational backgrounds
• Many graduates use this role to confirm whether a career in educational psychology, youth justice, occupational therapy, mental health support or SEND education is the right pathway for them

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups throughout the school day
• Helping children who experience anxiety or school refusal feel safe and supported in the classroom
• Building positive relationships with pupils who may initially struggle to trust adults in education settings
• Encouraging communication, confidence and emotional regulation
• Supporting structured activities that promote independence and life skills
• Helping pupils manage transitions, routines and social situations
• Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
• Encouraging engagement with learning through patience, consistency and positive reinforcement
• Your support can play a key role in helping a young person reconnect with education and believe in their ability to succeed

• Experience in care, youth work, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
• A genuine interest in psychology, mental health, therapy or SEND education
• Patience, resilience and a calm, reflective approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with young people
• An understanding of how anxiety and confidence can impact learning
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team
• You do not need prior school‑based experience. Your empathy, commitment and willingness to learn are what matter most

Full training and support are provided as part of your onboarding.

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.