At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with emotional literacy, resilience, and social skills in a nurturing school environment.
- 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 setting.
- Qualifications: Graduate from a top university with experience in supporting children with SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ 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 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 & Reeves
Join a nurturing primary school in Brent that prioritises emotional well-being and personal growth, making it an exceptional employer for aspiring Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and a focus on building strong relationships with pupils, this role offers meaningful experience in a close-knit community dedicated to fostering resilience and confidence in children. The school's commitment to staff development and its accessible location with excellent transport links further enhance the appeal of this rewarding position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
✨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 Ribbons & Reeves.
✨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 Ribbons & Reeves!
✨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 Ribbons & Reeves, 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 Ribbons & Reeves 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 Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
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 Ribbons & Reeves:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ribbons & Reeves! 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 Ribbons & Reeves
✨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.
