ELSA Teaching Assistant

Location: Venturers’ Academy, Bristol

E-ACT Venturers’ Academy is a specialist academy for students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), dedicated to providing an exceptional, nurturing environment where every learner can flourish. Our approach is built on high aspirations, personalised support, and an unwavering belief in our students’ potential. We celebrate individuality, build confidence, and empower young people to achieve meaningful success, academically, socially, and emotionally.

Venturers Academy is based across three sites: our Secondary site at Hareclive Road, and two Primary sites at Withywood Road and St Anne’s Park. Each site is a place of opportunity, collaboration, and growth.

Whether you are an experienced educator or just beginning your journey in education, we offer a supportive, inclusive environment where your talents will be nurtured, your professional development encouraged, and your contributions truly valued.

About the role: Venturers’ Academy is seeking a compassionate and dedicated ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) Teaching Assistant to join our nurturing and specialist team. In this rewarding role, you will support children and young people to develop their emotional literacy, resilience and wellbeing, enabling them to overcome barriers to learning and thrive both socially and academically. Working closely with vulnerable pupils who require additional emotional support, you will play a key role in creating a safe, supportive environment where every learner feels understood, valued and empowered to succeed.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver ELSA interventions to support pupils’ emotional literacy, wellbeing and social skills on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Support pupils to develop emotional awareness, resilience and self-esteem
• Help pupils to understand and regulate their emotions using structured ELSA strategies and resources
• Create a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel comfortable to express their feelings
• Work with the SENCo/ELSA Lead to identify pupils’ needs and plan targeted intervention programmes

Pay range: NJC 8 - 13 - £23,592.34 - £25,562.47 FTE - £26,824.00 - £29,064.00, 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, Permanent

Qualifications and Skills:

• GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above
• Experience or training in working with children or young people in an education or care setting
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach to supporting pupils’ emotional needs
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

Join a trust that is going places! At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.