At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional wellbeing through structured sessions and collaboration with educational professionals.
- Company: ERS Education, a specialist SEN recruitment agency in London.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, flexible work options, and permanent positions available.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with excellent career growth opportunities in the SEN sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Completed ELSA training and experience with children facing emotional challenges.
ERS Education is a London-based SEN recruitment specialist working exclusively in Special Educational Needs. We are currently recruiting trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) for supply, long-term, and permanent positions across London special schools, SEMH settings, and mainstream schools with SEN provisions.
As an ELSA, you will deliver structured, evidence-based emotional literacy sessions to pupils identified as needing support - working under the supervision of your school’s educational psychologist and SENCO to improve emotional wellbeing, resilience, and social skills.
What you will be doing:
- Planning and delivering individual or small group ELSA sessions to pupils with identified emotional and social needs
- Working within an agreed programme set by the school’s educational psychologist or SENCO
- Keeping brief session records and monitoring pupil progress over time
- Supporting pupils to develop emotional vocabulary, self-regulation, and coping strategies
- Liaising with class teachers and SENCOs to ensure a consistent approach to pupil support
- Attending relevant CPD and supervision sessions as required by the school
What we are looking for:
- Completed ELSA training (accredited programme delivered by an educational psychologist)
- Experience working with children with SEMH needs, ASD, anxiety, or complex emotional and behavioural difficulties
- A warm, patient, and non-judgemental approach
- Strong ability to build trusting relationships with vulnerable pupils
- Good written communication for record-keeping and session notes
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
What ERS Education offers:
- Competitive daily rates: £80–£110 per day for supply (dependent on experience and school)
- Permanent salaries: £22,000–£28,000 per year (dependent on school and experience)
- Flexible supply work - you choose your availability and we find schools that suit you
- Long-term and permanent opportunities across London SEN schools and SEMH provisions
- A dedicated consultant who understands SEN - not a call centre
- Personal, one-to-one registration process with honest feedback on your CV and prospects
ERS Education is a specialist SEN recruitment agency based in London. We work exclusively in Special Educational Needs - placing ELSAs, SEN TAs, LSAs, HLTAs, Behaviour Mentors, SENCOs, and SEN teachers into special schools, SEMH settings, and SEN provisions across the capital. ERS was co-founded by an ex-headteacher, which means we understand what schools need and what good SEN professionals look like.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant in London employer: ERS Education Ltd
ERS Education is an exceptional employer for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, offering a supportive and understanding work culture that prioritises the emotional wellbeing of both staff and pupils. With competitive daily rates and permanent salaries, alongside flexible working options across London’s diverse SEN schools, employees benefit from tailored professional development and a dedicated consultant who truly understands the unique challenges of special educational needs. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children while enjoying a rewarding career path in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Literacy Support Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local SEN events or workshops. Not only will you learn more about the field, but you'll also meet potential employers and other professionals who can help you land that ELSA role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow schools and SEN organisations on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your insights; it shows you're passionate and knowledgeable about emotional literacy support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing your dream job. We’re dedicated to matching you with the right school and providing personalised support throughout the process. Let’s get you started!
We think you need these skills to ace Emotional Literacy Support Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with emotional and social needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your ELSA training and relevant experience. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written communication clear and concise. We appreciate good record-keeping and session notes, so demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on your journey to becoming an ELSA with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at ERS Education Ltd
✨Know Your ELSA Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like planning sessions, monitoring progress, and liaising with teachers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEN
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children who have SEMH needs or other emotional challenges. Share specific examples of how you've supported these pupils in the past, focusing on your warm and patient approach that builds trust.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to emotional literacy and how they support their ELSAs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since good written communication is essential for record-keeping and session notes, be prepared to discuss how you document pupil progress. You might even want to bring a sample of your notes (with personal details removed) to showcase your skills.
