At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's emotional development and wellbeing through targeted interventions.
- Company: Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School, dedicated to emotional wellbeing.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team, and a nurturing school culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on inclusion and positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: ELSA qualification or willingness to train, experience in supporting emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 33483 £ per year.
Help children develop the confidence, resilience and emotional skills they need to thrive. At Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School, we believe that emotional wellbeing is fundamental to learning. As the needs of children continue to evolve, we are committed to strengthening our inclusive practice and ensuring every child feels safe, valued and understood.
We are seeking a compassionate, skilled and reflective Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our highly regarded Inclusion Team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children by supporting their emotional development and wellbeing.
As an ELSA, you will work under the guidance of the SENDCO and wider Inclusion Team to provide targeted emotional support for children experiencing social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
About the roleYou will support children to develop:
- Emotional awareness and understanding
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Positive relationships and social skills
- Resilience and coping strategies
- Emotional regulation skills
- Readiness for learning and engagement in school life
The role will involve:
- Delivering planned ELSA interventions on a one-to-one and small group basis
- Supporting children experiencing anxiety, friendship difficulties, bereavement, loss or change
- Helping pupils develop emotional vocabulary and self-regulation strategies
- Monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of interventions
- Working closely with families, teachers and external professionals where appropriate
- Contributing to a nurturing, inclusive and emotionally supportive school environment
This is a highly rewarding role requiring empathy, patience, professionalism and a genuine commitment to children's wellbeing.
Our Inclusion TeamYou will be joining a knowledgeable, experienced and supportive team that is a real strength of our school. Our Inclusion Team supports children with a wide range of needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs
- Autism and Neurodiversity
- Cognition and Learning Needs
- Complex Needs Provision
- Emotional Literacy Support
- Safeguarding and Attendance
- SEND Coordination
We work collaboratively, share expertise and support one another to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
Why Join Fairstead?A strong commitment to emotional wellbeing. We recognise the importance of supporting children's emotional health and invest significantly in developing our provision.
A nurturing and inclusive culture. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe children thrive when they feel safe, understood and valued.
High-quality professional development. We are committed to continuous learning and offer ongoing training in emotional wellbeing, attachment, trauma-informed practice and SEND.
A supportive and reflective team. We encourage professional dialogue, reflection and collaboration, enabling everyone to develop and improve their practice.
We are looking for someone who:- Holds a recognised ELSA qualification or is willing to undertake ELSA training which we will provide
- Has experience of supporting children's emotional wellbeing
- Builds positive, trusting relationships with children and families
- Demonstrates empathy, patience and emotional intelligence
- Understands the impact of emotional needs on learning and behaviour
- Can deliver structured interventions and accurately monitor progress
- Is organised, reflective and committed to professional development
We are a forward-thinking, community-focused school built on the values of Possibility, Community and Independence. We believe:
- Every child deserves to feel successful and valued
- Positive relationships create the conditions for learning
- Staff development improves outcomes for children
- Reflection and collaboration lead to better practice
- Inclusion should be at the heart of everything we do
We are ambitious for all children, particularly those who face the greatest challenges.
We offer:
- A structured induction programme
- A highly skilled and supportive Inclusion Team
- ELSA and emotional wellbeing training including supervision
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- A strong commitment to staff wellbeing
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children's lives every day
We are an equal opportunities employer. If you require any additional support to enable you to make an application please contact Kerry Tucker, School Business Manager.
Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for appointment to this post. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list.
ELSA Teaching Assistant (Level 3) employer: Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School
At Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering emotional wellbeing and inclusive practices. Our nurturing culture, strong commitment to professional development, and supportive Inclusion Team create an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking community that values every child's success and prioritises staff wellbeing.
Contact Details:
Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ELSA Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace ELSA Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
