Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Drama Therapist

Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Drama Therapist Southend

Location: Southend-on-Sea
Start Date: February 2026
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £101.40 per day
Trial/observation days available

Use creativity to help young people find their voice.

Are you a Drama graduate or aspiring Drama Therapist who believes in the power of expression, movement, and creativity?

This specialist school in Southend-on-Sea supports pupils with complex needs
, including autism, physical disabilities, sensory differences, and communication needs. Many pupils use alternative or non-verbal communication
, and the school is seeking Learning Support Assistants who are empathetic, patient, and motivated to connect beyond spoken language.

In this role,
creativity becomes a language
.

Pupils at the school may communicate through:

• Movement and gesture
• Visual and sensory cues
• Non-verbal or reduced-verbal expression

Your background in drama, performance, or creative arts will enable you to:

• Build trust through play, mirroring, and expression
• Encourage engagement using improvisation, role-play, and creative prompts
• Support emotional understanding in a safe, imaginative space

You will also gain experience interpreting communication through body language, AAC, symbols, Makaton, and sensory resources
, ensuring every pupil feels heard and understood.

• Support pupils 1:1 or in small groups
• Use drama-based approaches to promote communication and social interaction
• Support emotional regulation and independence through creative activities
• Follow individual learning and therapy plans alongside teachers and therapists
• Contribute to a calm, safe, and engaging learning environment
• Assist with personal care where required (full training provided)

Sometimes, you may be the first person who truly understands how a child communicates — and that can change everything.

No prior school experience is required.
Curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn are key.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have a Drama / Performing Arts background or experience delivering creative activities
• Are interested in a career in Drama Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy
• Build positive relationships through movement, expression, and play
• Remain patient, calm, and resilient when challenges arise
• Are comfortable supporting with personal care when required

• Excellent daily pay
• Fast-track registration
• Flexible working options
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses via Milk Academy
• Free wellbeing resources
• Exclusive perks and discount portal
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
• Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education agency

If you are compassionate, imaginative, and excited to use creativity as a bridge to communication
, we would love to speak with you.