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- Tasks: Support children and young people in schools to help them achieve their potential.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a range of employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable learners and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in schools and a passion for supporting young people.
- Other info: Term time only role with opportunities for career growth and hybrid working.
Are you passionate about children and young people achieving their potential in school and have experience of working in a school? If so, then the role of Extended Support Assistant may suit you.
The role of the ESA is to support the pupils and school by providing tailored assistance, to maximise the positive experience of school for both the pupil and teaching staff.
Extended Support Assistants support the placement of Learners with Education Health Care Plans to be successful in their local mainstream school. They also work alongside colleagues from the Inclusion and Alternative Provision Team to support children and young people identified as having SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs in order to prevent placement breakdown.
With guidance and support from an Adviser, you will work in partnership with school staff, parents, carers and other agencies to provide high quality short-term intervention and support for children and young people. You will work with children and young people on a 1:1 basis, supporting them to access their learning and be successful in their school.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Are calm and confident, with a passion for supporting vulnerable learners
- Are self-motivated
- Are solution-focussed
- Are able to work well as part of a team
- Are able to meet the travel requirements of the role, which may mean deployment to any school in the county
If you are confident, calm, and passionate about vulnerable children and young people achieving their potential, then we would like to hear from you.
The post is term time only and therefore the salary would be pro-rata.
The post will be countywide with a geographical base allocated at either County Hall in Lewes, St Mary’s House in Eastbourne or Cavendish House in Hastings. There is flexibility for some home working as part of a hybrid working model. You will be supported through regular supervisions, case discussions and peer support.
In addition to opportunities to grow your career within our team, we offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment, which include:
- Opportunities for flexi-time working
- Regular CPD opportunities
- Options for lease car scheme
- Loans for certain purposes at preferential rates
More information can be found on our benefits page.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information.
Interviews will take place in person at St Mary\’s House, Eastbourne on Thursday 20 November 2025.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
If you have any questions or would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please email the following with your questions or a request to set up a phone call: Annie Pope – annie.pope@eastsussex.gov.uk
The role of Extended Support Assistant is a unique opportunity to support pupils in East Sussex schools to reach their potential in their local school.
“The best thing about working here is that everyone’s really supportive and you always get the opportunity to develop your qualifications.” Lesley, Personal Assistant
For collaboration, not competition. Chose East Sussex.
Extended Support Assistant employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Extended Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school’s ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable learners.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment and the positive impact you've made in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Tailor your CV and supporting statement to highlight how you meet the criteria in the job description, and make sure to showcase your relevant experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Extended Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your Supporting Statement is personalised! Address how you meet the criteria in the person specification and share relevant experiences. We want to see your passion for supporting vulnerable learners shine through!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your experience working with children and young people, especially those with SEMH needs. We love to see how your background can contribute to our mission of helping pupils achieve their potential.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to hit that ‘Apply Now’ button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Extended Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEMH and how you can support them. This will show your passion and commitment to helping vulnerable learners.
✨Share Your Experiences
When discussing your background, highlight any relevant experiences you've had working in schools or with children. Use specific examples that demonstrate your calmness, confidence, and solution-focused approach. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the support systems in place for staff or how they measure success for pupils. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it's a good fit for both you and the school.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through! The role requires someone who is calm and confident, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for supporting children. Authenticity can make a lasting impression and help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
