Aspiring Therapist - Learning Support Assistant, Maidenhead
Are you a Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduate looking to gain specialist experience supporting children with complex physical, behavioural, and communication needs? Are you interested in becoming an advocate within health and social care, supporting young people with additional needs to access education safely and with dignity?
A specialist setting in Maidenhead is seeking a dedicated graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting students with physical disabilities (including wheelchair users), autism, non verbal needs, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This is a highly rewarding role where you will play a key part in ensuring students can access learning in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Start Date: June or September 2026
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only
Pay: £108 per day
The Role: Learning Support Assistant (Physical Needs, PDA & Communication Focus)
You will support students with a range of needs, with a strong focus on:
- Wheelchair users and students with physical disabilities
- Manual handling and safe physical support (full training provided)
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles
- Non verbal or minimally verbal communication
- Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Anxiety driven and avoidance based behaviours
Students in this setting require a high level of care, consistency, and understanding, with support tailored to both their physical and emotional needs.
Your Experience Will Include
- Supporting students on a 1:1 and small group basis, including wheelchair users
- Assisting with manual handling and mobility support (full training provided)
- Using alternative communication methods (PECS, visuals, gestures, AAC)
- Supporting pupils with PDA, using low demands, trust based approaches
- Understanding behaviour as a form of communication
- Supporting emotional regulation and reducing anxiety
- Learning about safe restraint and de escalation strategies within a professional framework
- Working alongside SENCOs, therapists, and healthcare professionals
- Building strong, respectful and trusting relationships with students
Why This Role Is Valuable for Aspiring Advocates & Therapists
- Practical experience supporting physical disabilities and mobility needs
- Knowledge of manual handling, safe practice, and safeguarding
- Insight into PDA, autism, and non verbal communication
- Skills in de escalation, behaviour support, and emotional regulation
- A strong understanding of care, dignity, and advocacy in education settings
Career Opportunities
- Health and Social Care
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Clinical or Educational Psychology
- SEN and disability advocacy roles
Why Join Milk Education? Training & CPD
- Manual handling training provided
- CPD in Autism, PDA, SEN, Behaviour & Safeguarding
- Training in de escalation and safe practice
Wellbeing & Support
- Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform
- Dedicated consultant support
Benefits
- £108 per day
- Fast track registration
- Flexible, term time working
- Access to 1000+ CPD courses
- Wellbeing resources and school prep materials
- 24/7 support
- Work with the UK's only eco friendly education agency
Who We're Looking For
- Psychology, Sociology, Health & Social Care, or related graduates
- Aspiring therapists, support workers, or advocates in health and social care
- Individuals interested in physical disabilities, PDA, and communication needs
- Calm, patient, and highly empathetic
- Comfortable supporting wheelchair users and high need students
- Willing to learn manual handling and safe support strategies
- Able to build trust and adapt their approach
If you want to gain specialist experience supporting wheelchair users, students with complex needs, and PDA profiles, while developing skills in care, safety, and advocacy, this is an exceptional opportunity to build a meaningful career in health, therapy, or SEN.
