Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Art Therapist - West Drayton

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant - Aspiring Art Therapist - West Drayton

Location: West Drayton

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm (term time only)

Pay: £108 per day

Trial/observation days available.

Use art and creativity to help young people find their voice.

Are you an Art graduate or aspiring Art Therapist who believes in the healing power of creativity and self-expression?

This mainstream secondary school in West Drayton is committed to supporting the whole child. While the school serves a diverse community, it recognises that Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs can create barriers to learning. For some pupils, words are not enough - they need alternative ways to process, communicate, and heal.

The school is seeking an aspiring Art Therapist to work as a Learning Support Assistant, using creative approaches to support pupils with SEMH needs, raise attainment, and keep children safe.

In this role, art becomes a language, and creativity becomes a lifeline.

Why this role suits Art graduates and aspiring Art Therapists

Pupils with SEMH needs may struggle to articulate their feelings verbally. They may be experiencing:

• Anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Disengagement from traditional learning
• Communication barriers that lead to frustration

Your background in art, creativity, and self-expression will enable you to:

• Build trust through shared creative activities
• Encourage pupils to express emotions they cannot yet put into words
• Use art as a tool for regulation, reflection, and connection
• Create a safe, non-judgemental space where pupils feel heard

You will gain invaluable experience in how creative therapies can support mental health, improve engagement, and remove barriers to learning.

How this role prepares you for a career in Art Therapy

Through this position, you will develop the exact skills needed for Art Therapy training and practice:

• Creative engagement - Learn how to use art to build relationships and support emotional expression
• Understanding SEMH needs - Gain frontline experience supporting pupils with anxiety, trauma, and behavioural challenges
• Raising attainment through wellbeing - See how supporting a pupil's mental health directly impacts their academic progress
• Safeguarding in practice - Work within school safeguarding policies, learning to recognise when a child needs protection
• Therapeutic observation - Develop skills in observing and reflecting on pupil behaviour and emotional states

Your responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups, using creative approaches to engage and regulate
• Use art-based activities to promote communication, self-expression, and emotional wellbeing
• Support pupils with SEMH needs to remain engaged in learning and raise attainment
• Work alongside teachers and therapists to follow individual support plans
• Contribute to a calm, safe, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive
• Support safeguarding by being a trusted, consistent adult in school

Sometimes, a drawing, a colour, or a sculpture speaks louder than words - and that can change everything.

Who we are looking for

No prior school experience is required. Curiosity, compassion, and a belief in the power of creativity are key.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Have an Art, Fine Art, or Creative Arts background
• Are interested in a career in Art Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy
• Believe in the therapeutic power of creativity and self-expression
• Can build trust with young people who may find words difficult
• Remain patient, calm, and imaginative when challenges arise
• Are committed to keeping children safe and supporting their wellbeing

What's in it for you

• Excellent daily pay (£108 per day)
• Fast-track registration
• Flexible working options
• Access to 1000+ CPD courses via Milk Academy
• Free wellbeing resources
• Exclusive perks and discount portal
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
• Work with the UK's only eco-friendly education agency

If you are compassionate, creative, and excited to use art as a tool for healing and connection, we would love to speak with you.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.