Job Introduction
The Westgate School is a community of learners where
partnerships inspire success for all; learning together achieving excellence
Learning Coach with ELSA – Secondary Phase
(Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
“Outstanding.”
(Ofsted, November 2023)
37 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks)
Monday to Thursday, 8.00am – 4.00pm and Friday 8am – 3.30pm
(each day with half hour unpaid lunch break)
Permanent contract
To start October 2025
Salary Grade: EHCC Grade D FTE £25,628 - £28,326
Actual annual salary £21,763- £24,294
We are seeking to recruit a Learning Coach who also offers ELSA sessions as part of their role to our fantastic school. Central to the role is the ability to support pupils using evidence-based interventions both inside and outside the classroom, so they are able to learn effectively and participate fully in the life of the school. The role involves working with groups of secondary aged pupils as well as working 1:1 with pupils in a variety of areas including social, emotional and behavioural regulation.
Benefits of working at The Westgate School:
- Full induction programme including training and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
- Ongoing personal development including opportunities for specialist qualifications in SEND
- Preferential nursery places in our on-site nursery at a reduced price
- Free on-site parking
- Free use of health and fitness facilities
The successful candidate will:
- View the role as a vocation and profession, demonstrating high levels of commitment
- Hold the belief that every child deserves to feel as if they belong
- Be able to build trusting relationships with children who are either externalising or internalising their social emotional wellbeing needs
- Be able to demonstrate high levels of emotional resilience and stay calm under pressure in order to support vulnerable children
- Need to be ELSA trained or equivalent or willing and able to gain the qualification
- Be keen to participate in professional learning and qualifications
- Enjoy working with children, building positive relationships in a calm, empathetic way with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience in a teaching/learning/child support working environment
- Have experience of or an interest in working with neurodiverse children
- Have obtained Maths and English qualifications to GCSE Grade C or above, or their equivalent
- Be determined for the highest possible levels of achievement and inclusion for every pupil
- Be cheerful, flexible and approachable, with a good sense of humour
- Show initiative within the role and have good time management skills
- Be a hard-working team player, able to work closely with teachers and other adults (including within the classroom) to ensure the best for all our pupils
- Support the day to day running of our learning support areas all-through
- Have the patience, resourcefulness and resilience to support and inspire our children with their learning, helping to unlock their potential
- Have a good understanding of child development from 4-16 years
- Have excellent communication skills
- Be excited about the opportunity to work with individuals both inside and beyond the classroom
We can offer:
- The chance to be a part of a highly skilled and friendly team and work in all key phases in the All Through School
- The chance to develop your own specialism within the Learning Support Team
- Opportunities to teach small groups of pupils
- Opportunities for training related to special educational needs, including Autism and ABA
- Where there are suitable courses, we are happy to support in Apprenticeship Training
Safeguarding:
The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council 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.
Pre-employment checks:
All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.
Equal Opportunities:
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
Job Description and Application forms can be obtained from www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies or contact HR on recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk
We understand that you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own.
Closing Date: 12 noon Thursday 18th September 2025
Interview Date: to be confirmed
