ELSA

ELSA

Southampton Part-Time 20800 - 23400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children's emotional wellbeing through 1:1 and small group interventions.
  • Company: Join a vibrant primary school in Eastleigh, rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, dedicated consultant support, and excellent CPD opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Must have a certified ELSA qualification and experience in a primary school setting.
  • Other info: Potential to extend hours as a general Teaching Assistant in the mornings.

The predicted salary is between 20800 - 23400 £ per year.

Are you a qualified and passionate ELSA looking to make a real difference in children’s lives? Do you have the empathy and expertise to support emotional wellbeing across a vibrant, inclusive primary school? Supply Desk is seeking a trained ELSA to join a large, welcoming primary school in Eastleigh.

Start Date: September 2025

Contract: Long-term (with potential to become permanent)

Hours: Part-time (Afternoons only)

Pay: £80–£90 per day (depending on experience)

About the Role:

  • We are looking for a fully qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant to provide targeted support for pupils across Key Stage 1 and 2 (ages 4–11).
  • This role involves working 1:1 and in small groups with children who need emotional support and guidance.
  • Experience in interventions such as Bucket Time and LEGO-based therapy is highly desirable.
  • There may also be an opportunity to extend your hours by working as a general Teaching Assistant in the mornings.

The School:

  • Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ with a strong focus on high expectations and consistency.
  • Inclusive ethos with a high number of pupils with SEND.
  • A warm, supportive staff team who value collaboration and kindness.
  • Core values of Respect, Excellence, and Pride.

Candidate Requirements:

  • Certified ELSA qualification (essential).
  • Experience supporting children in a primary school setting.
  • Confident delivering emotional literacy interventions.
  • Committed, empathetic, and enthusiastic about supporting children’s wellbeing.

Why Join Supply Desk?

  • Dedicated consultant support.
  • Excellent CPD opportunities.
  • Competitive pay rates.
  • Refer a Friend bonus – earn up to £100 for referring a Teacher, TA, or Nursery Nurse.

Safeguarding Statement: Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and meet Safer Recruitment standards.

Interested? Click “Apply” now to send us your CV – one of our team will be in touch shortly.

ELSA employer: Supply Desk

Join a vibrant and inclusive primary school in Eastleigh as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) where your passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing will be truly valued. With a strong focus on collaboration and kindness, our supportive staff team fosters a culture of respect and excellence, providing excellent CPD opportunities and dedicated consultant support to help you grow in your role. Enjoy competitive pay rates and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners in a school rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
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Contact Detail:

Supply Desk Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land ELSA

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific emotional literacy interventions mentioned in the job description, like Bucket Time and LEGO-based therapy. Being able to discuss these methods confidently during your interview will show your expertise and readiness for the role.

Tip Number 2

Research the school’s ethos and values, particularly their focus on inclusivity and high expectations. Tailoring your conversation to reflect how your personal values align with theirs can make a strong impression.

Tip Number 3

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported children's emotional wellbeing. Sharing specific stories can demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.

Tip Number 4

Network with other professionals in the field of emotional support. Engaging with local educational communities or online forums can provide insights and potentially lead to recommendations that strengthen your application.

We think you need these skills to ace ELSA

Empathy
Emotional Intelligence
Communication Skills
Experience with SEN
Group Facilitation
Intervention Strategies
LEGO-based Therapy
Bucket Time Techniques
Patience
Adaptability
Team Collaboration
Child Development Knowledge
Behaviour Management
Confidentiality

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the ELSA position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications as an ELSA. Emphasise your certified ELSA qualification, any relevant experience in primary education, and your ability to deliver emotional literacy interventions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing. Include specific examples of how you've successfully helped children in the past and your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Supply Desk

Show Your Passion for Emotional Support

Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting children's emotional wellbeing. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Familiarise Yourself with Interventions

Since experience with interventions like Bucket Time and LEGO-based therapy is desirable, be prepared to discuss these methods. Familiarise yourself with how they work and be ready to explain how you would implement them in your role.

Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding

During the interview, showcase your ability to empathise with children and understand their emotional needs. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully supported children in similar situations.

Research the School's Values

Take some time to research the school's core values of Respect, Excellence, and Pride. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their inclusive ethos.

ELSA
Supply Desk
Location: Southampton
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