Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant – West Drayton
Are you a Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduate looking to gain specialist experience supporting children with complex communication and behavioural needs?
Do you want to understand how non-verbal communication, autism, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) impact learning and behaviour?
A specialist setting in West Drayton is seeking a dedicated graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting students with SEN, Autism, non-verbal needs, and PDA profiles. This is a highly rewarding role where you will help students access education in a way that works for them.
Start Date: June or September 2026
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only
Pay: £108 per day – long term role and temp to perm
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton – Education and Training provided, outstanding CPD
The Role: Learning Support Assistant (Non-Verbal, Autism & PDA Focus)
You will support students with a range of needs, with a strong focus on:
1. Non-verbal or minimally verbal communication
2. Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
3. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles
4. Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
5. Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
6. Sensory processing differences
7. Anxiety-driven and avoidance-based behaviours
Students in this setting are highly individual in their needs, requiring a flexible, patient, and creative approach, particularly when supporting communication and reducing demand-related anxiety.
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton – Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Your Experience Will Include
8. Working 1:1 and in small groups with non-verbal students
9. Using alternative communication methods (PECS, visuals, gestures, AAC approaches)
10. Supporting pupils with PDA, using low-demand, trust-based strategies
11. Understanding behaviour as a form of communication
12. Supporting emotional regulation and reducing anxiety
13. Adapting learning approaches to meet individual needs
14. Building strong, trusting relationships with students
15. Gaining hands-on experience in specialist SEN settings
16. Working alongside SENCOs, therapists, and experienced staff
Why This Role Is Valuable for Aspiring Therapists – Art/Music/Drama/OT/Musi
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton – Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
You will develop:
17. Specialist knowledge of autism, PDA, and non-verbal communication
18. Insight into anxiety-based behaviours and demand avoidance
19. Practical skills in de-escalation, engagement, and regulation strategies
20. Experience with alternative and augmentative communication methods
21. A deep understanding of complex SEN and communication profiles
This role is ideal for those considering careers in:
22. Speech & Language Therapy
23. Occupational Therapy
24. Clinical Psychology
25. Educational Psychology
26. SEN and communication specialisms
Why Join Milk Education?
Training & CPD:
27. Free CPD in Autism, PDA, SEN, Behaviour & Safeguarding
28. Trauma-informed and communication-focused training
Wellbeing & Support:
29. Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform
30. Dedicated consultant support
Benefits:
31. £108 per day
32. Fast-track registration
33. Flexible, term-time working
34. Access to 1000+ CPD courses
35. Wellbeing resources and school prep materials
36. 24/7 support
37. Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education agency
Who We’re Looking For
38. Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, or related graduates
39. Aspiring Therapists or SEN specialists
40. Individuals interested in autism, PDA, and communication needs
41. Calm, patient, and highly empathetic
42. Comfortable working with non-verbal and high-need learners
43. Able to build trust and adapt their approach
If you want to gain specialist experience working with non-verbal students and PDA profiles, this is an exceptional opportunity to build a meaningful career in therapy or SEN.
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton – Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant – West Drayton
Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton – Education and Training – Aspiring Therapist – Learning Support Assistant West Drayton
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