Teaching Assistant

Supporting Primary and SEND Schools across Greater Manchester 🍎 Championing Diversity & Wellbeing in Schools!

Location: Salford

Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (8:45 am – 3:45 pm), Term Time Only

Duration: Long-term temporary to permanent opportunity

Are you a Psychology graduate or considering a career change towards Clinical Psychology?

Are you looking for hands‑on experience in a specialist SEN setting to help you determine if this is the right path for you?

Milk Education is recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) role in a specialist SEN school in Salford, supporting children aged 4‑16 with Autism and associated neuro‑divergent conditions. This role is a unique opportunity for those with a genuine interest in Clinical Psychology, providing direct experience working with some of the most vulnerable children in society.

• Supporting children aged 4‑16 with a range of Autism, from low to high support needs.
• Working with pupils with co‑occurring neuro‑divergent conditions, including ADHD, OCD, hyperactivity, sensory processing difficulties, and social communication needs.
• Assisting in a structured and nurturing classroom environment, promoting emotional and academic growth.
• Using psychological and therapeutic strategies to support behaviour and engagement in learning.
• Observing occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, drama, music and art therapies to learn how interventions work in practice.
• Collaborating with therapists, SEN specialists, and teaching staff to deliver personalised learning and support plans.
• Helping to regulate emotions and build coping strategies, learning how different interventions work in practice.
• Engaging in applied psychology approaches, such as cognitive‑behavioural techniques, structured interventions, and sensory regulation strategies.
• Assisting with personal care routines, including feeding and hygiene support, where required.

• Psychology graduates (or those looking to retrain in psychology, clinical mental health, or therapy‑based careers).
• A genuine aspiration to work in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, or Mental Health Support.
• A patient and compassionate nature, with the ability to connect with and support vulnerable children.
• An interest in neurodevelopment and behavioural psychology, with a desire to apply theory to real‑world situations.
• A resilient and reflective mindset, with the ability to work through challenges and understand the complexity of Autism and related conditions.
• Commitment to the role for at least the academic year, ensuring consistency for both yourself and the pupils.

• Gain first‑hand experience in Clinical Psychology, Autism Support, and Neurodivergence.
• Work in a specialist school environment with a structured and therapeutic approach.
• Build practical skills that will enhance your application for MSc courses in Clinical or Educational Psychology.
• Develop a deeper understanding of Autism and neurodiversity, helping you decide if this is the right sector for you.
• Opportunity to go permanent, depending on performance and school fit.

Milk Education is a purpose‑driven agency committed to helping educators and aspiring professionals gain meaningful experience in education and mental health.

Benefits include:

• Wellbeing support and career guidance
• Free resources and training
• 24/7 access to your personal consultant
• A clear path into Clinical Psychology and related professions

If you're ready to test your passion for Clinical Psychology in a real‑world setting, apply today!

Seniority level: Not Applicable

Employment type: Full‑time