Psychology, Autism & Learning Support Tutor (SEN College – 16–25)

Psychology, Autism & Learning Support Tutor (SEN College – 16–25)
Location: Heathrow / Hillingdon area, West London
Contract: Agency, temporary, long-term, or temp-to-perm
Pay: Typically around £15–£20 per hour for Learning Support-based roles, while specialist SEN tutoring positions often range from £25–£35 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
About the Role
An agency would be recruiting on behalf of a specialist Further Education (FE) or SEN college supporting young people aged 16–25 with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Moderate to severe learning difficulties
• ADHD
• SEMH needs
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• EHCP-funded learners

You would support learners academically, socially, emotionally, and with independence skills to help them progress into employment, further education, or independent living.
Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Psychology and personalised learning support sessions.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for autistic learners.
• Adapt teaching materials to meet individual learning needs.
• Support emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Work alongside lecturers, therapists, job coaches, and SEN teams.
• Implement EHCP targets and behaviour support strategies.
• Monitor learner progress and maintain accurate records.
• Promote independence, employability, and life skills.

Ideal Candidate
An agency would usually look for:
Essential

• Degree in Psychology or a related field.
• Experience supporting young people with Autism and SEN.
• Knowledge of autism-friendly teaching approaches.
• Strong communication and behaviour-management skills.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable

• Teaching qualification (PGCE, DTLLS, Cert Ed, PTLLS).
• Experience in FE Colleges or Post-16 SEND settings.
• Understanding of EHCPs.
• Training in Autism, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Makaton, or Team Teach.

What Agencies Look For
From a recruitment perspective, the strongest candidates often have:

• Psychology graduate background.
• Experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Autism Support Worker, or Behaviour Mentor.
• Experience with learners aged 16–25 rather than only primary or secondary pupils.
• Ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries.
• Confidence working with challenging behaviour and anxiety-related needs.

Interview Questions You May Be Asked

• How would you support a learner with autism who refuses to engage in class?
• How would you adapt Psychology content for learners with learning difficulties?
• What strategies do you use for emotional regulation and sensory needs?
• How have you supported EHCP outcomes?
• How do you promote independence rather than dependency?