At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND and emotional literacy needs in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Pewsey Vale School, part of Acorn Education Trust, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, supportive team, training opportunities, and a positive work culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting children's learning; ELSA experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Pewsey Vale School is looking to appoint an experienced Teaching Assistant to join its friendly team and provide support to pupils, with effect from June 2026. Experience as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is advantageous as the role will involve working with pupils with SEND and emotional literacy needs.
Working Hours: Part Time (16 hours 30 minutes per week, Monday- Friday, 38 weeks per year, no Teacher Training days). Required: June 2026
Pewsey Vale is a small but thriving co-educational school, educating young people between the ages of 11 and 16 years. Located in the village of Pewsey, our school community works together to ensure that all students are supported to reach their full potential in both their academic and personal development. As a school, we provide a supportive and challenging learning environment where every student is recognised as an individual and empowered to succeed. We believe in teaching that engages students and challenges them to exceed expectations and take risks so they can be resilient, creative and successful individuals.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work across all age ranges within our school, supporting students of all abilities, including those requiring social and emotional support, SEN support, and will make a real difference to their school lives. You will be supported by our dedicated team of teachers, teaching assistants and the wider SEND team.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a passion for delivering high quality and exciting opportunities for young people;
- Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and is able to work with a variety of pupils, staff and parents;
- Has superb attention to detail and organisational skills;
- Is self-motivated, dedicated and consistent;
- Enjoys working with young people and can develop good working relationships with them;
- Has the ability to deal with new challenging situations;
- Can be a strong team player as well as use your own initiative;
- Has a positive and flexible attitude;
- Understands and is sympathetic to the needs of young people, including their social and emotional wellbeing;
- Has experience of supporting children’s learning;
- Has experience as an ELSA (advantageous);
- Has a current First Aid or is prepared to undertake training.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
- A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
- Opportunities for training and progression;
- The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
- A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.
For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack. If you have any additional questions, please contact: 01672-565000
Closing Date: Friday 8th May 2026 at 12pm
Interview Date: w/c Monday 11th May 2026
Please note: while the closing date for applications has been set, we reserve the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate upon receipt of an exceptional application. Therefore, we would encourage prompt application for this position.
Teaching Assistant / ELSA in Pewsey employer: The Pewsey Vale School
Contact Detail:
The Pewsey Vale School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant / ELSA in Pewsey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Pewsey Vale School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've supported students emotionally or academically. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Pewsey Vale team. Don’t wait too long; get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant / ELSA in Pewsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with SEND and emotional literacy needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience, especially if you've worked as an ELSA or have supported children’s learning before. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. A well-organised application speaks volumes!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might interview and appoint someone exceptional before the closing date, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pewsey Vale School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant and what being an ELSA entails. Brush up on strategies for supporting students with SEND and emotional literacy needs. This will show your passion and commitment to helping young people thrive.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with diverse groups. Think about specific situations where you've made a difference in a student's life or helped them overcome challenges.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice how you would handle various situations involving students with different needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your understanding of the emotional and social aspects of education.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students' emotional wellbeing or how the team collaborates. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school community.