Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Protocol Education Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible daily supply

Long-term/permanent roles

Dedicated consultant support

Professional development

Job summary

Protocol Education Limited is seeking a qualified ELSA to support pupils across welcoming primary schools in Greater London. This role involves delivering targeted interventions to help children build confidence, resilience, self-esteem and positive coping strategies both in and out of the classroom.

The ideal candidate will hold an ELSA qualification, have primary school experience, and demonstrate calm, empathetic communication with pupils, families and staff.

Qualifications

• Holds a recognised ELSA qualification.
• Experience supporting children in a primary school setting.
• Calm, empathetic and patient approach.
• Knowledge of SEMH needs and behaviour support strategies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ELSA interventions 1:1 and in small groups.
• Support pupils with social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health needs.
• Develop emotional awareness, self-regulation and communication skills.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Work with SENDCOs and pastoral teams to implement support plans.
• Record pupil progress against outcomes.
• Contribute to a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

SEMH knowledge

Education

ELSA qualification

Job description

Are you a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) with a passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning? We are seeking dedicated and compassionate ELSAs to support pupils across a range of welcoming primary schools.

This rewarding role involves working closely with children who require additional emotional support, helping them develop confidence, resilience, self-esteem, and positive coping strategies to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

The Role

• Deliver planned ELSA interventions on a 1:1 and small group basis.
• Support pupils experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges.
• Help children develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and communication skills.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and families.
• Work alongside SENDCOs, class teachers, and pastoral teams to implement targeted support plans.
• Monitor and record pupil progress against agreed outcomes.
• Contribute to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds a recognised ELSA qualification.
• Has experience supporting children within a primary school setting.
• Demonstrates a calm, empathetic, and patient approach.
• Has knowledge of SEMH needs, anxiety, emotional regulation, attachment, and behaviour support strategies.
• Is confident delivering intervention programmes independently.
• Possesses excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is passionate about promoting positive wellbeing and emotional development.

What We Offer

• Flexible daily supply opportunities to fit your schedule.
• Long-term and permanent positions available.
• Opportunities to work within supportive and inclusive primary schools.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.