Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in Middlesbrough

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a fully trained part‑time Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our great staff team at Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, working across year groups from EYFS to Year 3 (and sometimes years 4–6) to develop children’s emotional literacy and support them to be successful. This is a key post in our school which is centred around supporting children to understand and regulate their own emotions whilst also respecting the feelings of those around them. We are looking for an experienced ELSA to ensure the best support for our pupils.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• be ELSA trained or currently working to complete training in 2025
• be highly committed, enthusiastic, flexible, skilled and passionate about supporting children’s learning
• have high expectations of children and yourself; be able to show initiative and work independently and as part of a team, embracing our Academy’s values
• be able to plan and deliver individual and group support programmes with resources to meet the social, emotional and mental health needs of our children
• have good time‑management and organisational skills and keep confidential, accurate and succinct records of involvement
• have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with parents and staff to support children’s emotional needs
• communicate well with children, gaining their confidence and trust by being approachable and willing to listen
• have a warm personality and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• be emotionally literate yourself, with a high degree of empathy, discretion and commitment to Inclusion.

Ark Blacklands Primary Academy is Hastings’ fastest‑improving primary school. Located near the 109‑acre Alexandra Park, we recently celebrated winning the East Sussex Healthy Schools Excellence Award.

We are a large school with a new intake each year of three forms, with 90 pupils in each year group from reception through to year 6. Despite this, our staff make a tremendous effort to get to know each pupil and provide them with the very best care. As part of the Ark schools’ network, we are committed to making sure that every child has access to a great education and real choices in life. We know that great schools need great staff, which is why we offer you the very best training and support at every stage of your career.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. We will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5 % higher than the main pay scale
• Twice as many training days as standard
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to Ark Rewards – savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest‑free loans – up to £5,000 available for a season ticket or to buy a bicycle
• Gym discounts – up to 40 %
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support