Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist

Learning Support Assistant role in a SPLCN setting – Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist

*** Location: Maidenhead
*** Salary: £95 per day
*** Start Date: Immediate
*** Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (8:30 am – 3:45 pm), Term Time Only

"Love and attainment need no words."

Are you passionate about helping non-verbal children find their voice? Do you want to be part of a specialist setting that prioritises alternative communication methods like PECS, Makaton, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies?

Milk Education is recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) & Learning Mentor to join a specialist SEN school in Maidenhead, supporting autistic children with social communication and engagement needs. This role is ideal for those aspiring to become Speech & Language Therapists, Music Therapists, or professionals in creative therapies.

Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist - Education and Training - Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist

The Role:

• Supporting non-verbal and minimally verbal pupils in understanding and expressing themselves.
• Implementing communication techniques such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Makaton, visual timetables, and AAC apps.
• Encouraging social engagement and peer interactions, helping children navigate social spaces in their own way.
• Working in structured and sensory-friendly environments, using tools like cork boards, visual prompts, and structured routines.
• Advocating for pupils’ voices, ensuring their needs, preferences, and emotions are acknowledged and understood.
• Observing and responding to Echolalia (both immediate and delayed), understanding how children process language through repetition.
• Assisting with emotional regulation, helping children communicate in ways that feel safe and comfortable.
• Collaborating with Speech & Language Therapists, gaining first-hand experience of intervention strategies.
• Providing early support and interventions to bridge the gap while children are waiting for formal speech and language therapy.
• Building trust before content, creating a space where children feel valued and heard.

What We’re Looking For:

• Graduates (or career changers) in English, Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Music Therapy, or related fields.
• Individuals who value communication in all forms—verbal, non-verbal, and everything in between.
• A patient, adaptable, and compassionate approach, with an understanding that social communication does not always follow typical patterns.
• A willingness to learn, observe, and support children in their unique ways of expressing themselves.
• Commitment to a long-term role, ensuring consistency for both you and the pupils.

Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist - Education and Training - Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist

Why This Role?

• Work directly with Speech & Language Therapists, gaining real-world experience in communication support.
• Learn to implement PECS, Makaton, and AAC techniques, essential for careers in speech therapy and special education.
• See communication breakthroughs first-hand, helping children regulate their emotions through expression.
• Gain practical experience in a therapeutic school setting, perfect for those considering a future in speech therapy, creative therapies, or SEN education.
• Opportunity for a permanent role after the academic year.

• Why choose Milk Education?  
• Milk Education is a purpose-driven teaching supply agency, focused on putting educators first. We’re committed to finding high-quality teaching talent and supporting schools across the U.K.
• We partner with Make Life Kind Charity, to bring inspiring speakers into schools. If you’re passionate about empowering young people to tackle sensitive topics, we’d love for you to join us in our mission to Make Life Kind!
• Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcome 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.

Learning Support Assistant – Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist - Education and Training - Aspiring Junior Speech and Language Therapist