Psychology (or related) Graduate – LSA

At Milk Education, we’re more than just a recruitment agency—we’re a community dedicated to helping graduates build meaningful careers supporting children and young people. Through ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and dedicated support, we’ll help you gain the practical experience needed for your future career.

We’re currently recruiting for a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming Secondary School in Northumberland on a long-term, short-term, or temp-to-perm basis, starting in September.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate or someone aspiring to become an Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Mental Health Practitioner, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Teacher. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience working with young people before progressing to postgraduate study or professional training, this role provides invaluable exposure within a supportive school environment.

You’ll be joining an inclusive school that places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, emotional development, positive behaviour, and academic success. Working alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff, you’ll play an important role in helping students overcome barriers to learning while developing the practical skills needed for a career in psychology or child-focused services.

Your Role

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll support students both academically and emotionally, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for students with a range of learning, behavioural, social, and emotional needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence, and wellbeing.
• Supporting students with SEND, SEMH, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and other additional needs where appropriate.
• Assisting teachers in creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
• Delivering targeted interventions to improve academic progress, emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Promoting positive behaviour using restorative and relationship-based approaches.
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff, SEND teams, pastoral leaders, and families to support students’ overall development.
• Observing student behaviour and progress, developing valuable experience in child development, behaviour management, and educational support.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re particularly interested in graduates who are passionate about understanding behaviour, supporting mental health, and making a positive difference in young people’s lives.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree (or be due to graduate) in Psychology or a related subject such as Education, Childhood Studies, Sociology, Criminology, Health & Social Care, or Sports Science.
• A genuine interest in child psychology, mental health, behaviour, and additional learning needs.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with young people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to supporting learning.
• Experience working with children or young people through volunteering, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, youth work, or care settings is desirable but not essential.

Why This Role?

This position offers excellent experience for graduates considering careers in:

• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Mental Health Support
• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Teaching
• SEND & Inclusion
• Youth Justice or Social Work

You’ll gain first-hand experience supporting young people with diverse learning, emotional, and behavioural needs while developing transferable skills valued by postgraduate psychology programmes and employers across education and healthcare.

Why Choose Milk Education?

When you join Milk Education, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive rates of pay with opportunities to secure permanent positions.
• A fast, straightforward registration process with APSCo Compliance+ accredited safeguarding standards.
• Flexible working opportunities to fit around your commitments.
• Carefully matched school placements aligned to your values, strengths, and career goals.
• Access to our trusted network of partnership schools across the region.
• Free CPD before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND, Behaviour, and additional accredited training through Milk Academy.
• Free PSHE lesson plans and teaching resources.
• Access to wellbeing resources and our educator community hub.
• A School Preparation Pack with useful guidance before your first day.
• Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant throughout your placement.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting salary will reflect your qualifications, relevant experience, and the needs of the school.

Interested? Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career supporting children’s learning, development, and mental wellbeing.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited and follow the highest standards of safer recruitment. All successful applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidance.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy