Graduate Aspiring Educational Psychologist

Graduate Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Speech & Language Learning Support Assistant

Location: Kingston upon Thames, South West London
Contract: Full-time, long-term | Term-time only
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am -4:30pm
Start Date: ASAP
Pay: £108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain hands‑on experience in a specialist SEN school?

Are you interested in Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy or Autism Support?

Pertemps Education Network is seeking a motivated and compassionate Graduate Learning Support Assistant to join an independent specialist Speech and Language school in Kingston upon Thames. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who wants to develop practical experience supporting children with additional needs, particularly those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Whether you are an aspiring Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist or SEN Teacher, this role offers valuable experience working closely with children in a specialist educational environment.

About the School

The school is an independent specialist provision supporting children with a range of special educational needs, with a particular emphasis on speech, language and communication difficulties.

Pupils may have autism, communication delays, difficulties with social interaction or other additional learning needs. They benefit from a structured, nurturing environment where communication, emotional development, confidence and independence are central to their learning.

You will work alongside experienced teachers, specialist support staff and, where appropriate, speech and language professionals to help pupils access learning and develop essential communication and social skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate to gain meaningful experience of child development, communication strategies and inclusive education within a specialist SEN setting.

The Role

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with speech, language and communication needs.
• Supporting children with autism and other additional educational needs to access learning.
• Encouraging the development of communication, language, social interaction and emotional regulation skills.
• Using visual resources, structured activities and appropriate communication strategies to support pupils' understanding and engagement.
• Building positive, trusting relationships to help children develop confidence, independence and resilience.
• Supporting classroom activities and adapting tasks to meet individual learning needs.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff and relevant professionals to support individual pupil targets.
• Helping to maintain a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment.

You will gain valuable insight into how communication difficulties and additional needs can affect children's learning and development, while developing practical skills that are relevant to future careers in psychology, therapy and specialist education.

Who Would Be Suitable?

We are particularly interested in graduates who are passionate about child development, communication and supporting children with additional needs.

Suitable backgrounds may include:

• Psychology graduates aspiring to become Educational or Child Psychologists.
• Graduates interested in Speech and Language Therapy or communication development.
• Education, Childhood Studies or related degree holders considering a career in SEN.
• Candidates with experience supporting children through tutoring, mentoring, youth work, care or volunteering.
• Individuals with an interest in autism, neurodevelopment and inclusive education.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A genuine interest in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
• A patient, nurturing and adaptable approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with children who may communicate or learn differently.
• A willingness to learn specialist strategies and work collaboratively with the school team.
• Previous experience with children or SEN is desirable but not essential.

What Does This Role Offer?

• A full-time, long-term opportunity within an independent specialist SEN school.
• Valuable hands‑on experience supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
• Exposure to autism support, child development and specialist educational approaches.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced SEN practitioners and collaborate with relevant professionals.
• Excellent transferable experience for future applications to Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Teaching or other child‑focused professions.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's communication, confidence and independence.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. All appointments will be subject to the relevant safeguarding and safer recruitment checks.

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