Location: BS35 Job Title: Specialist Learning Support Assistant Salary: From £14.25/hour Contract: Monday-Friday, 8.30-15.30, term-time only Are you a Psychology graduate looking to secure a meaningful role for September 2026, where you can gain hands-on experience supporting children and young people with complex needs? We are working with a highly specialist SEND school supporting pupils aged 2–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). Many pupils have autism, communication needs and complex sensory profiles, making this an ideal environment to deepen your understanding of behaviour, communication and child development in practice. This setting takes a holistic, therapeutic approach, with a strong focus on communication, sensory regulation and relationship-based learning. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, working alongside experienced educators, therapists and support staff. --- The Role (Starting September 2026) This is a highly practical and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will: * Provide 1:1 and small group support, adapting your approach to meet highly individual needs * Support pupils with communication and interaction, using tools such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and sensory-based strategies * Assist with personal care and physical support where required, ensuring dignity and respect at all times * Help deliver individualised, EHCP-led learning programmes, tailored to each pupil’s developmental stage * Observe behaviour as a form of communication, learning how to de-escalate and support emotional regulation * Contribute to a calm, structured and engaging learning environment * Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists (Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy) and families --- What You’ll Gain From This Role This is more than just classroom experience - it’s an opportunity to build real, transferable skills that are highly valued in psychology, education and therapy pathways: * A deep understanding of complex needs, autism and sensory processing differences * Practical experience in **alternative communication methods (AAC, Makaton, PECS) * Insight into behaviour as communication, and how to respond therapeutically rather than reactively * Experience supporting physical, emotional and cognitive development in a holistic way * Confidence working within a multi-disciplinary team, mirroring real-world clinical and educational settings * First-hand exposure to EHCP processes and personalised learning plans You’ll also develop key soft skills such as resilience, adaptability, empathy and professional communication** — all essential for future careers in psychology and education. Training & CPD – Our Partnership with The National College We’re proud to offer access to a wide range of high-quality CPD through our partnership with The National College, allowing you to build your knowledge alongside your practical experience. You’ll have the opportunity to complete courses such as: * **Certificate in the Role of a Learning Support Assistant** * Understanding **Autism and Neurodiversity in the Classroom** * **Safeguarding Children (Level 1 & 2)** * **Behaviour Management and De-escalation Strategies** * **SEND Code of Practice and EHCP Training** * Supporting **Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)** * **Trauma-Informed Practice in Education** These courses will strengthen your CV and give you a strong theoretical foundation to complement your day-to-day experience in school. Who This Would Suit This opportunity is ideal for: * Psychology graduates looking to build experience ahead of further study * Individuals considering careers in **Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy or Teaching** * Those with a genuine interest in SEND, behaviour and child development You will be: * Curious, reflective and eager to learn * Patient, observant and able to build strong, trusting relationships * Comfortable working in a **hands-on, practical environment Why This Role? Starting in September, this is a fantastic opportunity to secure a **full academic year placement**, allowing you to build consistent, in-depth experience that will significantly strengthen applications for: * Postgraduate study (e.g. Educational Psychology) * Teacher training (PGCE) * Therapy-based careers You’ll leave this role not just with experience, but with a clearer career direction, stronger professional confidence, and a well-rounded skillset that sets you apart in competitive fields. You will also benefit from ongoing support, structured development, and opportunities for progression across the academic year and beyond. INDBRI <br/><br />If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Laura Dowson on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014.<br /><br />If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, <strong>don&#39;t forget that we offer &pound;50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.</strong> For more details, contact your local Axcis office.<br /><br /><em>This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.<br /><br />The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).<br /><br />If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.<br /><br />You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.<br /><br />Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><a href="/job-page-disclaimer">View the disclaimer</a></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><strong>Contact: </strong></span><strong> Laura Dowson&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;">Telephone: </span> 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014</strong></strong>