Aspiring Art Therapists – SEN Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant – Ideal for Aspiring Art Therapists & Future SEN Professionals
Milk Education | Hillingdon | On-site
Are you looking to start a rewarding career supporting children with additional needs? Whether you’re an aspiring art therapist, psychologist, SEN specialist, counsellor, or someone who wants to make a positive impact in education, this full-time Teaching Assistant role could be the perfect next step. Milk Education is working with a fantastic ASD-specialist primary school in Hillingdon who are seeking compassionate, creative, and dedicated individuals to join their team.
About the School
This exceptional school is purpose-built for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering a calm, structured environment that supports communication, independence, emotional regulation, and sensory needs. You’ll work within a highly skilled team of teachers, therapists, and SEN practitioners—an excellent setting for anyone wanting to develop hands-on experience in a supportive, specialist environment.
The Role
As a full-time Teaching Assistant, you’ll support pupils across EYFS and primary year groups, helping them access learning in ways that suit them. Creativity is welcomed; whether through art, visuals, sensory activities, or play, your ideas can help pupils communicate, stay regulated, and build confidence. This role provides real insight into therapeutic approaches and SEN practice—perfect for those considering careers in art therapy, psychology, teaching, or mental health.
Key Responsibilities
1. Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with ASD
2. Using visual communication tools such as timetables, now/next boards, social stories, and task breakdowns
3. Supporting emotional regulation and communication, including using PECS and Makaton
4. Assisting with sensory needs using movement breaks, sensory equipment, and calming strategies
5. Helping maintain low-arousal, structured learning environments
6. Supporting transitions and promoting positive behaviour
7. Assisting with emotional wellbeing and personal care where required
8. Working collaboratively with teachers to adapt activities and resources
9. Following all safeguarding procedures to ensure pupil safety
Why This Role Is Ideal for Creative & Therapeutic Pathways
10. Fantastic real-world experience for aspiring art therapists, creative therapists, psychologists, SEN practitioners, or future teachers
11. Opportunities to apply creative, visual, or sensory-based approaches
12. A supportive, experienced team offering guidance and continuous professional development
13. A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodiverse pupils every day
Benefits via Milk Education
14. Competitive full-time pay
15. Fast, smooth registration
16. Long-term opportunities available
17. 5-star agency with 3,000+ reviews
18. Exclusive partnerships with SEND schools
19. Access to a free discounts and perks portal
20. 1,000+ accredited/discounted CPD courses via Milk Academy
21. Free PSHE resources and lesson materials
22. Wellbeing hub + Educator Wellbeing eBook
23. School Preparation Pack for new placements
24. 24/7 support from a dedicated consultant
25. Access to specialist safeguarding webinars via “Unbottled”
26. Part of the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency