Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist

Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist Location: Kingston upon Thames, London Contract: Full-time, term-time only Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm Start Date: ASAP Pay: £108.35 per day Are you passionate about understanding and supporting young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing?Do you want to gain hands-on experience in an SEMH setting while exploring a future career as a Clinical or Educational Psychologist? About the SchoolAn independent SEN school in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a motivated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant / Aspiring Clinical Psychologist to join its dedicated team. The school supports students aged 3–19 with a range of special educational needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours. The main needs supported within the school include: Severe and complex speech and language difficulties Pupils may experience difficulties with expressive language, understanding spoken language, speech sound production and social communication. Autism-related needs Many pupils require support with social interaction, flexible thinking, sensory processing, emotional regulation and understanding social cues. Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) Pupils may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation and difficulties managing change, often linked to communication barriers. Learning differences linked to communication needs While many pupils have average or above-average cognitive ability, communication needs can significantly impact access to the curriculum, literacy and academic progress. Sensory processing differences Pupils may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to noise, light, touch or movement and benefit from carefully structured, low-arousal learning environments. Executive functioning and independence needs Pupils may require support with organisation, attention, planning, transitions and developing independence skills.Overall, pupils benefit from a highly specialist, therapy-led approach, integrating education with speech and language therapy, strong pastoral support, predictable routines and personalised strategies. The school is committed to helping students communicate effectively, access learning and develop socially and emotionally. This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience with restorative and trauma-informed approaches and developing skills relevant to future careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, therapy or specialist SEN support What We Offer Hands-on experience supporting vulnerable and disengaged young people. Valuable exposure to SEMH, Autism, communication needs and specialist SEN provision. Opportunities to develop knowledge of restorative and trauma-informed approaches. Experience relevant to future careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, therapy and specialist SEN support. A supportive, specialist school environment where you can make a genuine difference every day. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.How to ApplyIf you are passionate about supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Charlie Hayes on (phone number removed) for more information. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK