Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Polaris Community; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Education's Sutherland Hall School in Tamworth is seeking an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to support pupils with SEMH and/or autism, under term-time, full-time conditions. The role includes coordinating wellbeing, learning readiness, and behaviour support, and delivering enrichment activities.

You will work with the education team to remove barriers to learning, promote positive behaviours, and develop pupil voice, while building strong links with parents.

Qualifications

• GCSE grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Experience in a similar role (HLTA or Cover Supervisor) is preferred.
• Experience with SEMH and/or autism in an educational setting.
• Experience of behaviour management techniques.
• Commitment to professional development and learning.

Responsibilities

• Support wellbeing, readiness for learning and behaviour management at Sutherland Hall School.
• Assist in pupil development by removing barriers to learning.
• Promote positive learning behaviours and deliver enrichment activities.
• Assist lessons with academic, pastoral or behavioural needs.
• Prepare information for meetings about pupils.

Skills

GCSE English/Math

IT skills

Education

GCSE 4/C English Language & Maths

Tools

IT tools

Job description

Polaris Education - Sutherland Hall School, Tamworth

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only

Basic Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69

Location: Tamworth

Start Date: ASAP

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme

About Our School

Located in Tamworth, Sutherland Hall School has a proposed capacity of up to 78 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth. Our school will form part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We‘re incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

• Support improvements in wellbeing, readiness for learning, resilience and behaviour management within Sutherland Hall School
• Work with members of the education team to support young people‘s personal and academic development by removing barriers to learning
• Promote positive learning behaviours among young people
• Deliver enrichment activities
• Support pupils during lessons with their academic understanding and pastoral, emotional or behavioural needs
• Respond to immediate concerns and clarify the situation
• Create and collate information relating to lessons and interventions delivered
• Assist in preparing information for meetings concerning pupils
• Act as an advocate for the ethos of Sutherland Hall School
• Lead pastoral interventions
• Develop the role of pupil voice and liaise with the Senior Leadership Team regarding the pupil council
• Develop relationships with parents and carers, taking an active role in transitions and consultation visits
• Lead ELSA sessions and complete training with the local authority

Requirements

• Have a strong basic education, with a minimum of GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills
• Have previous experience in a similar role, such as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant or Cover Supervisor
• Have previous experience of working with pupils with SEMH and/or autism within an educational setting
• Experience of behaviour management and techniques
• Be committed to professional development and willing to learn

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody, you included!
• A commitment to supporting your development and helping you acquire new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving outcomes

Sutherland Hall School is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Sutherland Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Sutherland Hall School.