Emotional Literacy Support Assistant - Penbridge Schools

Portsmouth City Council; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to enhance students' emotional wellbeing at Penbridge Schools. The successful candidate will work closely with pupils to develop emotional literacy skills and implement tailored interventions. This permanent position offers a unique opportunity to positively impact children's lives, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally.

Benefits

Performance Related Pay

Pension Scheme Membership

Training Opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with primary-aged children is essential.
• Strong understanding of child development and emotional literacy.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils' emotional and social development.
• Plan and deliver individualized support programs.
• Monitor and assess pupils' progress.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Child Development Understanding

Education

ELSA qualification or willingness to undertake training

Job description

Description

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Salary: TSAT Pay Group 3, pro-rata for hours and weeks stated (FTE)

Hours: 30 hours per week, 38 weeks per year

Start date: As soon as possible

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 13/05/2025

Interview Date: TBC

To apply: Refer to The Thinking Schools Academy Trust website: Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in Portsmouth TSAT

Do you have a strong commitment to nurturing children's emotional wellbeing and helping them thrive both academically and personally?

We are seeking to appoint an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join us and work across Penbridge Schools to make a positive impact on our pupils' lives.

As an ELSA, you will work closely with pupils, teachers, and parents to support the emotional and social development of our children. You will provide one-on-one and group support to help students develop emotional literacy skills and implement tailored interventions to address specific emotional and social needs.

Additionally, you will monitor and assess pupils' progress, adjusting support plans as needed. You will maintain accurate records and report on students' progress, documenting their development. There may also be a requirement to work with pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans, or additional educational needs throughout the Key Stages.

Key responsibilities:

• Support pupils with physical, emotional, and/or educational needs in accordance with school policy to meet the school's aims
• Plan and deliver individualized programmes of support for children to develop their emotional literacy
• Develop and deliver emotional literacy programs and activities
• Promote positive behaviour patterns, raise self-esteem, and improve independent working in pupils
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals when necessary

What you will need to succeed:

• Experience working with primary-aged children is essential
• An ELSA qualification would be desirable or the willingness to undertake training
• Strong understanding of child development and emotional literacy
• Ability to raise aspirations to ensure the best possible outcomes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Be a team player who can work collaboratively as part of a team

About Us

Formally known as Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School, we officially joined together in September 2022 to form Penbridge Infants and Juniors. Our infant site comprises a nursery with 24 places for funded 2-year-olds and a 2-form entry infant school with 180 children, including 24 in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion. Our juniors site comprises a 4-form entry school with 440 children.

Pupils are happy and enjoy attending this welcoming school. Ofsted

Find out more about our story at: Ethos & Values Penbridge School

At Penbridge School, we are a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. This enables us to create a unique offer for children: an all-through educational journey in which they remain with the same family of schools throughout their education.

We are one of five primary schools and one secondary school in Portsmouth benefiting from Thinking Schools award-winning resources, curriculum, and collaboration opportunities.

Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary, and specialist provision.

We believe every young person in our community deserves the best opportunities. That's why we invest in our people and are recognized as the Multi Academy Trust Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, supporting our staff to positively impact pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here.

What our Trust will offer you:

• Competitive Pay Scales
• Performance Related Pay: We reward staff who meet objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
• Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Collaborative Support: Resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
• Training: Opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
• Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular MAT meetings and regional hubs for staff collaboration.
• Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a bike with NI savings.
• Staff Wellbeing: Access to Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: Seasonal rewards for staff.
• Refer a Friend: Benefit financially from our referral scheme.
• TSAT Benefits portal: Exclusive benefits including discounts, dental cover, and gym memberships.
• Store Discounts: Money-saving deals and vouchers through the Discount for Teachers scheme.

Next steps:

If you're interested in joining our friendly school, benefitting from a supportive Trust network, and progressing your career, please apply today!

Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.

To arrange an informal chat or school tour, contact Sarah Arthur.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We also undertake online searches for shortlisted candidates. For questions about this process, please email us.