Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2HU27 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January 2026
Closing date
5 January 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
9 December 2025
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time: 19.5 hours per week
Contract type
- Permanent
Actual salary
- £11,919
What skills and experience we're looking for
The successful candidate will:
- be ELSA trained or currently working to complete training in 2026
- be eager to learn new skills, open to feedback and committed to professional development.
- be highly committed, enthusiastic, flexible and skilled and passionate about supporting children’s learning.
- have high expectations of children and themselves; be able to show initiative and work independently and as part of a team and embrace our Academy’s values.
- be able to plan and deliver individual and group support programmes with resources to meet the social, emotional and mental health needs of our children
- have good time management and organisational skills keeping confidential, accurate and succinct records of involvement
- have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with parents and staff to support children’s emotional needs
- communicate well with children gaining their confidence and trust, by being approachable and willing to listen
- have a warm personality and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- be emotionally literate themselves, with a high degree of empathy and discretion and commitment to Inclusion.
What the school offers its staff
We offer:
- Comprehensive CPD – we offer twice as many training days as standard.
- Access to health packages, discounts at major retailers, travel loans and other benefits, through the Ark Rewards scheme.
- Opportunity to apply for international exchanges and other scholarship prospects
Find out more about the benefits by visiting www.arkonline.org/the-best-support.
Further information about the job
About the role:
We have an exciting opportunity for a fully trained part time Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our great staff team at Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, working primarily across year groups from EYFS to Year 3, however, sometimes years 4-6, to develop children’s emotional literacy and support children to be successful in their learning.
This is a key post in our school which is centred around supporting children to understand and regulate their own emotions whilst also respecting the feelings of those around them.
We are looking for an experienced ELSA, to ensure the best support for our pupils. However, we are prepared to train the right candidate who is self-motivated and willing to undertake ample self-study in order to increase their own knowledge.
Our ELSA will help children to develop their social and emotional skills in order to flourish in school. They will work in small groups or 1:1 situations and also be willing to occasionally teach ELSA strategies to whole classes. The successful candidate will also be required to work with colleagues in school, parents, outside agencies and may also be called upon at short notice to support specific children if other members of staff are not available. The role will also involve working with our Pastoral Lead, Assistant Head for Inclusion and Senior Mental Health Lead. The team is also supported by two professional counsellors from Me and My Mind and Place2Be.
Our ELSA also will also run a lunchtime club to specifically support children who find lunchtimes difficult.
Commitment to safeguarding
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies.
Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary
- School size
- 627 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Ark Blacklands Primary Academy website
- Email address
- j.coleman@arkblacklandsprimary.org
- Phone number
- 01424 429279
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy is Hastings' fastest-improving primary school. Located near the 109-acre Alexandra Park, we recently celebrated having the most improved SATs results in the area and features an innovative outdoor learning centre and greenhouse which supplies fresh produce to the school canteen.
We are a growing school with a new intake each year of 3 forms, with 90 pupils in each year group, from reception through to year 5, and 75 pupils in year 6. Our staff make a tremendous effort to get to know each pupil and provide them with the very best care.
As part of the Ark schools’ network, we are committed to making sure that every child has access to a great education and real choices in life. We know that great schools need great staff, which is why we offer you the very best training and support at every stage of your career.
Arranging a visit to Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email j.coleman@arkblacklandsprimary.org.
School location
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