Psychology Graduate – Learning Support Assistant

Psychology Graduate – Learning Support Assistant – Reading

Location: Reading
Start Dates: July 2026 & September 2026 (trials/observations starting now)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–3:45 pm (term time only)
Pay: £108 per day

Trial/observation days available now – step into the setting before you commit.

Gain frontline experience supporting vulnerable young people while reinforcing the value of education as a pathway to positive outcomes.

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to build a career in mental health, youth justice, or education?

This specialist provision in Reading 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 a Psychology Graduate 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.

• SEMH needs (anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges)
• Previous disengagement from education
• Interrupted school journeys
• Low confidence despite strong academic potential

You will see students access speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, sonar therapy, and hydrotherapy – giving you rare, hands‑on exposure to a multidisciplinary therapeutic environment. Your role will centre on unlocking potential and reinforcing the importance of education in shaping future opportunities.

• 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
• Therapy exposure – observe and support alongside SALT, OT, art, sonar, and hydrotherapy practitioners

• 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 and therapists 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.

No prior school experience required – attitude and intent are key.

• Psychology graduate (or related field)
• Strong interest in mental health, behaviour, or youth support
• Passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed academically
• Resilient, patient, and consistent
• Able to build strong, trusting relationships

• £108 per day
• Fast‑track registration
• Flexible working options (July & September 2026 start dates available)
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses
• Free wellbeing resources
• Discount and perks platform
• Dedicated consultant support
• Opportunity to work with an eco‑friendly education agency
• Trials/observations starting now – see the therapy work in action before you commit

If you want to make a real impact by helping vulnerable but capable students reconnect with education – while gaining exposure to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, sonar, and hydrotherapy – 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.