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- Tasks: Support students' emotional development through tailored ELSA sessions and engaging Forest School activities.
- Company: Join a thriving secondary school within a well-established Academy Trust in Hedge End, Southampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team culture with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing while working outdoors and nurturing resilience and confidence.
- Qualifications: ELSA qualification required; Forest School training is a plus or willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible working hours available for the right candidate; term time only role.
The predicted salary is between 23001 - 26818 £ per year.
An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant who is ELSA trained, and can connect with students with warmth, empathy and consistency is required to be a Forest School Champion at a thriving secondary school within a well-established Academy Trust based in Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire.
Forest School Training provided - If you already have Forest School experience then great! If not, you must be willing to undergo the relevant training.
SALARY: £26,818 per annum FTE / Actual Salary £23,001 (based on 37 hours per week term time only) + Benefits
LOCATION: Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent (Term Time Only)
WORKING HOURS: 37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm and Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm, Term Time Only (39 Weeks) - Flexibility for less hours and start/finish times can be accommodated for the right candidate.
JOB OVERVIEW: Are you passionate about emotional wellbeing, creative interventions, and the magic of the outdoors? Do you believe in nurturing the whole child and helping young people build resilience, confidence, and connection? If so, please read on!
We have a fantastic new opportunity for an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant who is ELSA trained, and can connect with students with warmth, empathy and consistency. As the dedicated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant you will ideally have Forest School expertise - but if not, you will have the willingness to undertake the relevant training to become a vital part of the pastoral team.
This is a unique and rewarding role for an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant to work 1:1 and in small groups to support students’ emotional development, whether that’s through a calming mindfulness session, a chat around a campfire, or structured interventions for anxiety, self-esteem, and more.
DUTIES: Your duties as Emotional Literacy Support Assistant include:
- Deliver high-quality ELSA sessions tailored to students' needs
- Run engaging Forest School activities that promote resilience and wellbeing
- Support students experiencing anxiety, friendship issues, bereavement, and more
- Be a go-to adult offering kindness, structure, and strategies to thrive
- Work closely with families, teaching staff, and external agencies
- Help shape the whole-school wellbeing culture
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
Essential:
- ELSA qualification (or willingness to undertake ELSA training)
- Forest School Trained (or willingness to undertake this training)
- Experience working with children/young people in an educational setting
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathetic, calm, and nurturing approach
Desirable:
- Experience in a secondary school environment
- Knowledge of mental health, SEND, and child development
- First Aid or mental health training (e.g. Youth Mental Health First Aid)
- Drawing and talking trained
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures in schools
The successful candidate will receive:
- A supportive and passionate pastoral team
- Ongoing supervision and CPD opportunities
- Opportunities to help shape the wellbeing and inclusion vision
- A school culture that genuinely values emotional development as much as academic progress
BENEFITS:
- Welcoming, supportive, friendly and sociable colleagues
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- Excellent Continuing Professional Development with high quality CPD program
- The opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative team
- Ongoing training and development and opportunities for career progression
- Free large on-site car park
- Good transport links
- Workplace Pension Scheme
- An amazing rate for staff membership at the modern on-site Leisure Centre
- A tax efficient Cycle-to-Work scheme through salary sacrifice
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school will ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service / DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks.
We reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.
Contact Detail:
AWD online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ELSA / Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Emotional Literacy Support. Understanding the core concepts will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or online forums related to emotional wellbeing and Forest School activities. Networking in these spaces can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or shadowing in similar roles, especially in educational settings. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also show your commitment to the role when you apply.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you would use to support students' emotional development. Having a few examples ready will showcase your proactive approach and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace ELSA / Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to clearly mention your ELSA qualification and any Forest School training you have or are willing to undertake. This is crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Experience: Detail your experience working with children or young people, especially in educational settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with students and support their emotional wellbeing.
Emphasise Soft Skills: The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Highlight your empathetic, calm, and nurturing approach in your application to show you can create a supportive environment for students.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific duties and requirements mentioned in the job description. Mention how you can contribute to shaping the whole-school wellbeing culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Show Your Passion for Emotional Wellbeing
Make sure to express your genuine passion for emotional literacy and supporting students' wellbeing. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to nurturing young people's emotional development.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Connection
During the interview, focus on how you connect with students. Use examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles, showcasing your warmth and empathy, which are crucial for an ELSA role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience working with children or in a secondary school environment, be sure to discuss it. Mention any specific interventions you've implemented or challenges you've overcome that relate to the duties of an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant.
✨Be Open About Training Willingness
Since the role requires Forest School training, express your willingness to undertake this training if you haven't already. Show enthusiasm for learning new skills that will enhance your ability to support students effectively.
