Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant – Shoeburyness
Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant – Shoeburyness
Pay: £101.40 per day
Start Dates: April – September 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Aspiring Psychologist / Educational Psychologist / Clinical Psychology pathway – Learning Support Assistant
Are you currently working as a Learning Support Assistant and looking to take the next step towards a career in psychology?
Do you want a role where your empathy, observation skills and patience can directly impact a young person’s development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing?
We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants on behalf of a specialist education setting in Shoeburyness. This role offers meaningful, hands-on experience supporting children and young people with autism, communication differences, sensory processing needs and learning disabilities.
The school provides a structured environment with clear routines and support systems, while also requiring flexibility — no two days are the same, and staff must be able to adapt to pupils’ changing emotional and behavioural needs in the moment. This balance of structure and fluidity is key to supporting autistic learners effectively.
You will work within a small class team, providing personalised support to help pupils develop independence, emotional regulation, communication skills and confidence.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness – Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness
Why this role is ideal for Aspiring Psychologists
This position provides direct exposure to key areas of psychology, including child development, behaviour analysis, emotional regulation and neurodiversity.
You will gain valuable insight into:
1. How autistic children experience the world, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences and reliance on routine
2. Supporting pupils who may be non-verbal or use alternative communication methods (PECS, visual supports)
3. Understanding triggers behind behaviours and responding using calm, structured and consistent approaches
4. Adapting in real time when situations change, behaviours escalate or pupils become dysregulated
5. Applying trauma-informed and person-centred strategies in real-world settings
6. Observing how anxiety, overstimulation or change impacts behaviour and learning
7. Working alongside multi-disciplinary teams including therapists, SEN specialists and external professionals
8. Building trust and positive relationships with children who may initially find interaction challenging
You’ll experience both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with autistic children — from celebrating small breakthroughs to supporting pupils through moments of distress with patience, consistency and care.
Many candidates use this role to confirm whether a future in educational psychology, clinical psychology, child psychology or mental health support is the right pathway.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness – Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness
What you will be doing
9. Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis throughout the school day
10. Helping children follow structured routines while remaining flexible to their needs
11. Promoting communication, independence and life skills through tailored activities
12. Supporting sensory needs (e.g. movement breaks, quiet spaces, sensory tools)
13. Assisting with personal care, feeding or mobility where required (full training provided)
14. Encouraging emotional regulation using positive, consistent strategies
15. Responding calmly to challenging behaviour and adapting support approaches when needed
16. Working closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans
17. Helping pupils remain safe, engaged and supported during learning and social situations
Your consistency, adaptability and calm approach will play a key role in each child’s progress.
We would love to hear from you if you have:
18. Experience in care, support work or working with vulnerable individuals (paid or voluntary)
19. A strong interest in psychology, mental health or SEND education
20. Curiosity about behaviour and child development
21. Patience, resilience and emotional intelligence
22. Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team
23. Ability to work within both structured routines and more fluid, unpredictable situations
24. Willingness to support with personal care when required
You do not need prior school-based experience — your attitude, empathy and willingness to learn are what matter most.
Full training is provided as part of your onboarding.
Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness – Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness
Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Shoeburyness
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