Elsa Teaching Assistant

Gsl Education; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education Hull is seeking an experienced ELSA Teaching Assistant to join a small specialist school in Market Weighton, supporting students aged 11–16 with SEMH and SEND. The role focuses on delivering targeted ELSA interventions.

You will lead interventions, build strong relationships, and work with teachers to monitor progress in a calm, therapeutic environment. The school offers a nurturing setting with bespoke support and DBS checks applied.

Qualifications

• Must have ELSA qualification or demonstrable experience delivering ELSA interventions.
• Experience working with SEMH or SEND students.
• Calm, patient and nurturing approach with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver targeted ELSA interventions for individuals and small groups.
• Support SEMH, anxiety, emotional regulation and social development.
• Build trusted, positive relationships with young people.
• Collaborate with teaching and pastoral staff to identify needs and monitor progress.
• Contribute to a calm, nurturing school environment.
• Adapt interventions to meet individual student needs.

Skills

ELSA interventions

SEMH knowledge

Emotional regulation support

Relationship building

Communication skills

Behaviour management

Education

ELSA qualification

Experience with SEMH/SEND

Job description

ELSA Teaching Assistant – Lead Intervention
Location: Market Weighton | Full-Time (YO43)
Pay Rate: Depends on experience (£100-£130 a day)

GSL Education Hull are currently seeking an experienced and nurturing ELSA Teaching Assistant to join a small specialist school in Market Weighton, supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH and additional SEND needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ELSA-trained Teaching Assistant to take a lead role in delivering targeted Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) interventions, helping students develop emotional regulation, resilience, confidence and positive relationships.

The school provides a bespoke, therapeutic and person-centred learning environment, where strong relationships and understanding are central to helping young people re-engage with education and achieve their potential.

About the school:

• Specialist independent school supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH and associated SEND needs.
• A small, nurturing and highly personalised environment, where strong relationships, trust and emotional wellbeing are at the heart of learning.
• The school provides bespoke therapeutic support and interventions, helping students develop resilience, independence, emotional regulation and confidence.
• Students benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum, alongside opportunities to develop practical and life skills for adulthood.
• Ofsted rated Good, with positive outcomes across the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management

The Role as a ELSA Learning Support Assistant:

• Lead and deliver targeted ELSA interventions on an individual and small-group basis.
• Support students with SEMH, anxiety, emotional regulation and social development.
• Build trusted, positive relationships with young people.
• Work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to identify needs and monitor progress.
• Contribute to a calm, nurturing and supportive school environment.
• Adapt interventions to meet individual student needs.

The Ideal ELSA Teaching Assistant will:

Must have either previous experience delivering ELSA interventions or hold an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) qualification.

Previous experience working with SEMH and/or SEND students.

A calm, patient and nurturing approach.

Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

Confident managing challenging behaviour with empathy and consistency.

Passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ELSA TA, HLTA, pastoral practitioner or specialist support worker looking to take ownership of an important intervention area within a supportive specialist setting.

GSL Education Hull are proud to support schools across Hull and East Yorkshire with high-quality education professionals. If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you. Please note all applicants are subject to enhanced DBS checks.

ELSA Teaching Assistant • Market Weighton, E Riding of Yorkshire, England