Art Graduate - Aspiring Art Therapist

Art Graduate - Aspiring Art Therapist - Learning Support Assistant role in Maidenhead

- Location: Maidenhead
- Salary: £95 per day
- Start Date: Immediate
- Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (8:30 am - 3:35 pm), Term Time Only
- Duration: Long-term temporary with the opportunity to go permanent

Are you a Creative Arts or Psychology graduate looking to explore a career in Art Therapy, Mental Health, or SEN support? Do you want hands-on experience in a specialist SEN setting, working with children who communicate and express themselves in unique, non-verbal ways?

Milk Education is recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist Autism school in Maidenhead, supporting children aged 4-16 with a range of autism and neurodivergent conditions. This role is ideal for aspiring Art Therapists, offering a rare opportunity to work with pupils who use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods such as PECS, Makaton, and visual communication boards.

Why Art Therapy?

For many autistic children, love and attainment need no words—expression happens through art, movement, and creativity. This role allows you to explore how creativity helps with emotional regulation, communication, and social engagement, especially for non-verbal and minimally verbal students.

The Role:

1. Supporting children with a range of Autism, from low to high support needs.
2. Assisting with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, and alternative communication methods.
3. Helping children express emotions and regulate their behaviour through art, music, and creative engagement.
4. Observing Speech and Language Therapy, Music Therapy, Drama Therapy, and Art Therapy in action, with opportunities to shadow professionals.
5. Supporting structured and sensory-based interventions to help pupils develop social and emotional skills.
6. Assisting with personal care routines, including feeding and hygiene, depending on individual pupil needs.
7. Encouraging self-expression through creative activities, allowing students to engage in learning in ways that work best for them.

Who We're Looking For:

1. Graduates in Art, Creative Therapies, Psychology, or those looking to retrain in therapy-based careers.
2. A genuine interest in Art Therapy, SEN education, Autism support, or Neurodiversity.
3. A patient, compassionate, and adaptable individual who values communication beyond words.
4. Someone with an understanding of non-verbal communication and an interest in visual, musical, or creative expression.
5. A commitment to the role for at least the academic year, ensuring consistency and trust for pupils.

Why This Role?

1. Gain first-hand experience in Art Therapy, Autism Support, and Neurodivergence.
2. Work in a specialist SEN school where creativity is used as a tool for communication and emotional regulation.
3. Develop hands-on skills in PECS, Makaton, and Augmentative Communication Apps.
4. Observe and collaborate with Speech and Language Therapists, Art Therapists, and SEN specialists.
5. Build a strong foundation for further study in Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Clinical Psychology.
6. Opportunity to go permanent, depending on performance and school fit.

Why Join Milk Education?

Milk Education is a purpose-driven agency, helping educators and aspiring professionals gain valuable experience in education, mental health, and therapy-based careers.

1. Excellent pay rates
2. Wellbeing support and career guidance
3. Free resources and training
4. 24/7 access to your personal consultant
5. A clear path into Art Therapy, SEN support, and creative therapeutic careers

If you're ready to explore how creativity transforms communication, engagement, and emotional well-being, apply today!

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.