Job Introduction
We are looking to appoint an experienced, confident, flexible and highly motivated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our dedicated school team. The successful applicant will work closely with pupils, teachers, INCO and parents to support the emotional and social development of our children. The ELSA will provide one-to-one and group support to help students develop emotional literacy skills and implement tailored interventions to address specific emotional and social needs.
They will monitor and assess pupils' progress and adjust support plans as needed. They will maintain accurate records and report on students' progress documenting their development. There may also be a requirement to work with pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans or additional educational needs. This role is fundamental to continuing to enhance the school’s strong ethos of relational practice. We are particularly interested in those candidates with a DSL and HLTA qualification, however full training will be provided.
Our school:
- is a 3-form entry junior school with 350 pupils on roll, across 12 classes.
- is situated in the heart of Bishopstoke, within easy access of Southampton and Winchester.
- is set in large and attractive grounds.
- has a fantastic range of facilities, including a purpose-built music-room, attractive library, cookery room, and a large school site which includes a MUGA, outdoor gym and pond.
- is welcoming, friendly and where every child is valued.
- is where ‘children behave well, benefit from the school’s high ambitions and expectations and is a happy place to be’ (Ofsted 2024).
We are looking for someone who:
- has recent, successful experience in working with children with emotional and social needs, ideally in an ELSA capacity.
- has GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) grade C or above; an ELSA qualification would be advantageous.
- can demonstrate a strong understanding of child development and emotional literacy.
- has passion for working with children and for teaching and learning.
- has a positive attitude and is flexible to the demands of the role and the needs of the school.
- has the skills to work independently and with initiative.
- could form and sustain positive relationships with all children and stakeholders.
- has a strong self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the ability to work well as part of a team.
- exhibits a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and confidentiality.
In return we can offer you:
- Children who ‘behave well and benefit from the school’s high ambitions and expectations’ (Ofsted 2024).
- A school that is a ‘happy place to be’ (Ofsted 2024).
- A friendly and supporting staff team, whose strong relationships with the children are at the heart of everything we do.
- A welcoming school environment with excellent facilities and resources
- Opportunities for professional development, including regular ELSA network supervision sessions
Visits to the school are strongly recommended. Please contact the school by by phoning 02380 612789 or by emailing the school’s Business Manager Judith Young adminoffice@stokepark-jun.hants.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
Application Procedure
Please email the school Business Manager Judith Young for a recruitment pack and visit our website www.stokeparkjunior.co.uk for more information about our school.
All Application forms should be marked for the attention of The Headteacher and returned either by post to Stoke Park Junior School, Underwood Road, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6GR or email adminoffice@stokepark-jun.hants.sch.uk by noon on Monday 16th June 2025.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.