Graduate Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant

Specalist Primary School – Durham

Start Date: September 2026 (date tbc) 

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only

Pay: £538.55 per week

Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant (Durham)

Are you looking to gain valuable hands-on experience to support a future career in Psychology, Counselling, Therapy, Social Work, CAMHS, or Educational Psychology?

Milk Education are recruiting Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist primary school in Durham. This full-time opportunity is ideal for aspiring psychologists and graduates who want to develop practical experience supporting children with additional needs in a nurturing educational environment.

This specialist provision supports Reception – Year 6 pupils with a range of needs, including Autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Many children have experienced barriers to learning and benefit from consistent, positive adult support to help them thrive both academically and emotionally.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will provide structure, encouragement, and emotional support, helping pupils regulate their behaviour, engage in learning, and build confidence throughout the school day.

Why this role is ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist

Working within a specialist primary setting provides excellent practical experience for graduates and aspiring professionals pursuing careers in psychology or mental health.

You will gain first-hand experience in:

• Understanding behaviour linked to trauma and unmet needs.
• Supporting children with Autism and ADHD.
• Developing behaviour regulation strategies.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils.
• Using positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques.
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Understanding how SEMH needs impact learning and development.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals.

You’ll see how consistent support and positive relationships can make a lasting difference to a child’s education and future.

This experience is particularly valuable if you’re interested in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Counselling Psychology
• CAMHS
• Social Work
• Teaching or SEN Teaching
• Youth and Family Support

Your Core Purpose

Your role will be to:

• Help pupils remain engaged and emotionally regulated throughout the school day.
• Build confidence, resilience, and independence.
• Create a safe, supportive, and predictable learning environment.
• Encourage positive behaviour and participation.
• Support children to overcome barriers to learning.
• Inspire pupils to recognise their potential and achieve positive outcomes.

What You Will Be Doing

• Supporting pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Assisting children to manage emotions and behaviour positively.
• Supporting learning and classroom participation.
• Acting as a calm, patient, and positive role model.
• Building professional and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff.
• Encouraging routines, boundaries, and positive decision-making.
• Promoting confidence, self-esteem, and personal progress.

We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have

• A degree in Psychology or a related core subject.
• Experience in education, youth work, mentoring, coaching, care, or support work.
• A genuine interest in child development, behaviour, and mental health.
• Patience, resilience, and excellent communication skills.
• Confidence working with primary-aged children.
• A passion for helping every child reach their full potential.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Apply Today

If you’re looking for your next SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity and want to make a real difference in children’s education, we’d love to hear from you.

Bethany Dowell 
[phone removed]
[email removed] 

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and compliance checks in line with the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and APSCo standards.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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