Learning Support Assistant – Psychology & Therapy Graduates | Specialist SEND Provision | Croydon
Learning Support Assistant Psychology & Therapy Graduates | Specialist SEND Provision | Croydon £107–£110 per day | Full-Time | Immediate Start or September 2026
Are you a psychology, occupational therapy or criminology graduate looking for the experience that actually opens doors?
Postgraduate programmes in educational psychology, forensic psychology and occupational therapy are competitive. What sets the strongest applications apart isn’t just the degree it’s documented, hands-on experience working with complex, vulnerable young people in real therapeutic environments.
This role gives you exactly that.
Milk Education is recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist alternative provision in Croydon a small, highly specialist setting working with children and young people who have been unable to access mainstream school due to anxiety, autism, trauma and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).
This is not a mainstream TA role. The cohort is complex. The work is meaningful. And the experience is the kind that UCAS panels and postgraduate admissions tutors actually want to see.
The setting
Based in Croydon a borough with a strong tradition of community-led, inclusive education and one of London’s most culturally rich and diverse areas this provision supports young people who have often had damaging experiences in traditional education. The ethos is built around rebuilding trust, emotional safety and a genuine love of learning through trauma-informed, person-centred practice delivered by a skilled multidisciplinary team.
Class sizes are small. Relationships are central. Progress however incremental is real.
What the role involves
1. 1:1 and small group support for pupils with autism, EBSA, anxiety and complex emotional needs
2. Building therapeutic relationships with young people who may initially resist adult engagement
3. Supporting emotional regulation across transitions, routines and social situations
4. Working within individual support plans alongside teachers, therapists and external professionals
5. Applying trauma-informed and person-centred strategies to help pupils re-engage with learning
6. Contributing to multi-agency working with clinical and educational professionals
Why this is the right experience for your career
Whether you’re working towards a career in educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational therapy or SEMH or simply want to confirm working with young people is the right path, this role builds the portfolio that matters:
7. Direct experience supporting EBSA, anxiety and trauma-related behaviours
8. Practical application of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches
9. Observation of and contribution to multi-agency working
10. De-escalation, emotional coaching and relationship-based support skills
11. A reflective practice portfolio you can reference directly in postgraduate applications
Many graduates use this role as the step that secures their next career move. Some go on to secure permanent positions within the setting itself.
Start dates
12. Immediate start available — May 2026
13. Trial period — June and July 2026, with confirmed September 2026 return
14. Applications welcome from candidates ready now or securing a role ahead of a later start
Who we’re looking for
Prior school experience isn’t required. What matters is your empathy, your patience and your genuine commitment to working with vulnerable young people.
You’ll be a strong fit if you have:
15. A degree (or current study) in psychology, education, sociology, criminology, occupational therapy or a related field
16. Experience in care, youth work, support work, mentoring or volunteering with vulnerable individuals
17. A genuine interest in child development, mental health, SEN or therapeutic education
18. A calm, reflective approach and the ability to build trust with young people who find adult relationships difficult
19. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Full training and onboarding provided from day one.
What Milk Education offers
20. £107–£110 per day
21. A specialist SEN consultant who understands your career goals — not just the vacancy
22. DBS fast-track support
23. Flexible start dates
24. A genuine pathway to long-term or permanent employment in the sector
How to apply
Apply for the role via our website. Applications are being reviewed this week — early applications are encouraged.
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo standards.