Aspiring Psychologist (LSA)

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators and aspiring education professionals. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support throughout your career.

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

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate or aspiring psychologist looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience working with children and young people before progressing into a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Counselling, Therapy, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or another child-focused profession.

You’ll be joining an inclusive secondary school that is committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of every student. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion, mental health and pastoral support, creating an environment where young people are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and independence.

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with teachers, SEND professionals, pastoral teams and other members of the school’s wider support network. This will give you valuable insight into child development, behaviour, emotional regulation, communication, additional learning needs and the ways in which a young person’s environment can influence their learning and wellbeing.

For aspiring psychologists, this role offers the opportunity to develop real-world experience of working with young people, observe different behaviours and needs, build professional relationships and understand how education and wellbeing support can positively impact a child’s development.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to students with a range of learning, behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Developing positive and trusting relationships with students to promote confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing and engagement.
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, communication, social skills and positive behaviour strategies.
• Observing student behaviour and identifying potential barriers to learning, wellbeing and engagement.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons and adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Delivering targeted academic, social, emotional and wellbeing interventions.
• Supporting students who may have additional needs, including SEND and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENDCOs, pastoral staff and other professionals to support individual students.
• Monitoring student progress and contributing relevant observations to support planning and intervention.
• Encouraging students to develop independence, self-awareness, resilience and positive attitudes towards learning.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment.

Requirements and Skills:

• A degree in Psychology is highly desirable, or you are due to graduate this year.
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, CAMHS, mental health, counselling, therapy or another child-focused profession.
• A strong interest in child development, behaviour, mental health, wellbeing and learning.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people to reach their potential.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• An empathetic, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• The ability to remain calm, resilient and professional when supporting students experiencing challenges.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn from experienced education and support professionals.
• Experience working with children or young people through volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, coaching, youth work, care work or similar settings is desirable but not essential.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary school team.

Why this role is valuable for aspiring psychologists:

Working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant can provide valuable experience that complements future applications for psychology-related careers. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your understanding of:

• Child and adolescent development
• Behaviour and behavioural support
• Social, emotional and mental health needs
• SEND and additional learning needs
• Emotional regulation and resilience
• Communication and social development
• Building therapeutic and professional relationships
• Observation and recording of behaviour
• Individualised support and intervention
• Multi-agency and multidisciplinary working
• Safeguarding and professional practice

You’ll also develop highly transferable skills in active listening, communication, observation, empathy, problem-solving, teamwork and supporting individuals with different needs.

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm opportunities available.
• Speedy registration process and fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability and career plans.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and match you with schools that align with your career goals and values.
• Access to a Priority Partnership school network, including trusted schools offering valuable experience for aspiring psychologists and education professionals.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour, with ongoing accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and classroom resources designed by experienced teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub.
• A School Preparation Pack with handover notes and helpful school guides, so you feel confident from day one.
• Dedicated 24/7 support from your personal consultant via their work mobile throughout your placement.

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.

Interested? Click ‘Apply Now’.

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

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website.