Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant

Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Reading

Education and Training – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Learning Support Assistant Reading

Are you passionate about understanding behaviour, mental health, and child development
?

Are you looking to build frontline experience that will prepare you for a career in clinical psychology, mental health services, therapy, counselling, or educational psychology
?

We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants for specialist SEN and mainstream schools in Reading
.

This role offers valuable, hands-on experience supporting children and young people who may experience anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioural challenges, autism, ADHD, or other additional needs
.

Many pupils in these settings face social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges
, which can affect their ability to engage with learning and build positive relationships.

Your role will be to provide structure, emotional support and consistent guidance
, helping them remain focused on their education and personal development.

This role starts in April 2026
, working Monday to Friday, term time only
.

Pay: £101.40 per day

The schools are well connected by public transport
, with parking available nearby
.

Working as a Learning Support Assistant is excellent practical experience and strong preparation for future roles within mental health, therapy and psychology-related fields
.

It allows you to develop the behavioural understanding, emotional resilience and communication skills required to support vulnerable young people
.

Working in a specialist SEN or mainstream setting gives you direct exposure to:

• Supporting children with autism spectrum conditions and ADHD

• Understanding social, emotional and mental health needs

• Applying trauma-informed approaches

• Learning de-escalation and behaviour management techniques

• Building trust with children who may struggle with emotional regulation

• Understanding how mental health challenges impact learning and behaviour

• The structure and expectations of SEN and specialist education settings

You will see first-hand how consistent adult support, structure and positive relationships can significantly improve a young person’s confidence, engagement and emotional wellbeing
.

This role is particularly valuable if you are aiming to move into:

• Clinical Psychology

• Counselling Psychology

• Educational Psychology

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Therapy or mental health support roles

• Specialist SEN and SEMH education

Most importantly, you will help demonstrate the importance of supportive environments and positive relationships in improving outcomes for vulnerable students
.

Your goal is to:

• Keep students focused, engaged and emotionally regulated during the school day

• Raise Attainment!

• Provide a safe, predictable and supportive environment

• Encourage confidence, resilience and emotional growth

• Reinforce the importance of education as a pathway to opportunity

By building positive relationships, you help students understand that their challenges do not define their potential
.

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis

• Helping students manage emotional triggers and behavioural challenges

• Supporting focus, engagement and participation in lessons

• Using calm, consistent approaches to manage behaviour

• Working alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams

• Encouraging routine, independence and confidence

• Acting as a positive role model for emotional regulation and resilience

• Experience in youth work, care, mentoring, SEN support or community services

• A strong interest in clinical psychology, mental health or child development

• Emotional resilience and a calm, patient approach

• The ability to build rapport with vulnerable young people

• A genuine desire to support young people’s emotional and educational development

You do not need direct school experience. Your empathy, consistency and motivation to support young people are what matter most.

Full training is provided as part of your onboarding.

INLDN