Aspiring Social Worker - Graduate Learning Support Assistant Maidenhead

AMA Admin

  • Maidenhead, Berkshire
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 27 days ago
  • Apply easily
Aspiring Social Worker – Graduate Learning Support Assistant Maidenhead
Begin your journey into Social Work by supporting autistic children in a specialist educational setting.Are you a recent graduate with a background in Social Sciences, Psychology, Criminology, Childhood Studies, or a related field? Are you hoping to pursue a career in social work and looking for meaningful, practical experience to develop your understanding of complex needs, safeguarding, and multi-agency collaboration?This rewarding role offers hands-on experience working with autistic children in a highly structured and therapeutic school environment, giving you invaluable insight into the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of children who experience the world differently.About the School
Based in Maidenhead, this specialist school supports autistic pupils aged 4–16, many of whom have additional learning, sensory, and communication needs. Some are verbal, while others use alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton, or visual schedules.The school environment is calm, consistent, and highly supportive. Every child follows a personalised curriculum, and as a Learning Support Assistant, you will play a central role in helping pupils feel safe, understood, and empowered to learn and grow.This is an ideal setting to understand the kind of high-level care, therapeutic input, and structured support that often sits alongside the work of social services, helping you build a strong foundation for a future career in social work.Aspiring Social Worker – Graduate Learning Support Assistant MaidenheadThe Role: Graduate Learning Support Assistant
This position is perfect for graduates considering a career in Social Work, Youth Work, Educational Psychology, or family support services. You will:
  • Support pupils with a wide range of autism profiles and associated needs, including complex behaviour, communication differences, and learning difficulties.
  • Encourage emotional regulation and social development through structured routines and consistent support.
  • Use visual schedules, AAC tools, PECS, and Makaton to aid communication.
  • Assist in therapeutic sessions, including Drama, Art, and Speech & Language, and have the chance to observe visiting professionals.
  • Support with personal care needs, always upholding dignity, safeguarding, and sensitivity.
  • Help foster a nurturing and trusting relationship with pupils to build confidence and independence.
What You’ll Gain
  • First-hand experience supporting neurodivergent children in a therapeutic setting.
  • Insight into safeguarding practices, child protection, and trauma-informed care approaches.
  • Exposure to multidisciplinary work alongside occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and educational psychologists.
  • A deeper understanding of autism, high-support needs, and inclusive education.
  • A solid foundation for applications to Social Work MSc programmes, Social Care roles, or Local Authority training pathways.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
  • Empathetic, resilient, and genuinely interested in supporting vulnerable children and young people.
  • Open to learning and reflecting, especially around trauma, neurodiversity, and social justice.
  • Committed to full-time work, Monday to Friday, term time only.
  • Able to commit until July 2025, with the potential to continue longer-term if suitable.
Key Details:
  • Location: Maidenhead
  • Start date: September 2025 (Trial days from Monday 8th September)

LogicMelon