At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with emotional literacy and social communication in a primary school setting.
- Company: Welcoming primary school in Brent with a close-knit community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in education, ideal for future careers in psychology or teaching.
- Other info: Full-time, term-time role with strong transport links across North West London.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a graduate with experience supporting children with SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
An ambitious Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is required for a welcoming one-form-entry primary school in Brent from September 2026. This role would suit a high-achieving graduate from a top university with strong experience supporting children with SEMH needs, emotional regulation barriers and social communication challenges.
The role is in a small Brent primary school with approximately 210 pupils on roll. It is a full-time, term-time-only position, ideal for a graduate considering Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Teaching or SEN.
You will work closely with an experienced SENCO, class teachers and pastoral staff in a close-knit school community. This is an excellent opportunity to gain structured school-based experience supporting pupils with SEMH, anxiety, low self-esteem and friendship difficulties.
The successful candidate will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group emotional literacy support across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. The school has around 15-20% of pupils receiving SEN support, with a small number of pupils supported through EHCPs.
Applicants must be graduates from a strong university, ideally with a 2:1 or above. Previous experience working with children with SEMH needs is essential, either in a school, mentoring, tutoring, youth work, care or charity setting.
The ELSA will help pupils develop resilience, confidence, positive behaviour choices and emotional awareness. You will support pupils who may find transitions, routines, peer relationships or classroom expectations challenging.
This role requires patience, emotional maturity, strong communication skills and a calm, consistent approach. The school is based in Brent, within reach of strong transport links across North West London.
Candidates must be committed, reflective and able to build trusted relationships with vulnerable pupils. This role is ideal for a graduate who wants meaningful, long-term experience before further training.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) employer: Ribbons and Reeves Limited
Join a supportive and nurturing primary school in Brent, where as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), you will play a vital role in fostering emotional resilience and well-being among pupils. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our close-knit community offers excellent opportunities for growth and collaboration with experienced staff, making it an ideal environment for graduates aspiring to further their careers in educational psychology or teaching. Enjoy the benefits of a full-time, term-time-only position that allows you to make a meaningful impact while balancing your personal commitments.
Contact Details:
Ribbons and Reeves Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who work with children or have experience in emotional support roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to emotional literacy and SEMH needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported children with emotional challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities like the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant role in Brent. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting children with SEMH needs. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why you’re drawn to this role and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant role. Highlight any previous work with children, especially in emotional support settings, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our school and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of an ELSA. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons and Reeves Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs, emotional regulation, and how to support children facing social communication challenges. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Share Your Experiences
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children, especially those with SEMH needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable pupils and build trusted relationships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Show Your Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, highlight your patience, emotional maturity, and strong communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenging situations and support children in developing resilience and confidence. This will showcase your suitability for the ELSA position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school environment aligns with your values and career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers!
