Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
New Horizons Primary School, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 7JBThis job expired on 12 October 2025 – see similar jobs
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
12 October 2025 at 11:59pm
Date listed
25 September 2025
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- TSAT Pay Group 3 pro rata to £19,734 - £22,902 for hours and weeks stated (£26,033 - £30,212 FTE)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you have a strong commitment to nurturing children's emotional well-being and helping them thrive both academically and personally?
We are seeking to appoint an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)to join our team at New Horizons Primary School and make a positive impact on our pupils' lives.
As an ELSA, you will work closely with pupils, teachers, and parents to support the emotional and social development of our children. You will provide one-on-one and group support to help students develop emotional literacy skills and implement tailored interventions to address specific emotional and social needs.
Additionally, you will monitor and assess pupils' progress and adjusting support plans as needed. You 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 throughout the Key Stages.
Key responsibilities:
- Support pupils with physical, emotional, and/or educational needs in accordance with school policy to meet the School’s aims
- Plan and deliver individualised programmes of support for children to develop their emotional literacy
- Develop and deliver emotional literacy programs and activities.
- Promote positive behaviour patterns, raise self-esteem, and improve independent working in pupils
- Liaise with external agencies and professionals when necessary
What you will need to succeed:
- Experience working with Primary aged children is essential
- An ELSA Qualification would be desirable, or the willingness to undertake training
- Strong understanding of child development and emotionally literacy
- Ability to raise aspirations to ensure the best possible outcomes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Be a team player who can work collaboratively as part of a team
What the school offers its staff
At New Horizons Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a warm, welcoming and vibrant community where smiles and positivity are part of everyday life. Strong, nurturing relationships are at the heart of our school; we know children learn best when they feel happy and safe. Our dedicated staff work closely with families to ensure that children thrive and can grow to become their best selves.
The starfish in our school logo is more than just a symbol, it reminds us that each day is an opportunity to make a positive difference, no matter how small. We encourage both staff and pupils to approach each day with purpose, kindness and the desire to positively impact those around them.
“Pupils behave well in class and feel safe. They listen to teachers and to each other attentively, respecting the views of others” – Ofsted
Our core values:Ready, Respectful and Safe underpin everything we do.These values help us create a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.Could you help our children to be ready, respectful and safe in all they do?If so, we would love to hear how you could contribute to our community.
As an accredited thinking school, we carefully consider how we teach our children to be effective independent learners. Our teachers use ‘Thinking Tools’ and children become more independent in their learning because of them; and this builds their self-esteem. Teaching children how to learn has been proven to have a huge impact on accelerating their progress.
In turn, this builds confidence and makes school a happy experience.
What our Trust will offer you:
- Competitive Pay Scales:Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- Pension Scheme Membership:Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Collaborative Support:Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- Training:Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing:Our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition:You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- TSAT Benefits portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
- Blue Light Card:School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
About New Horizons Primary School
- School type
- Academy, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 551 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- New Horizons Primary School website
- Email address
- Zoe.Winter@newhorizonsprimary.tsat.uk
We believe that primary school education is an experience that all children should enjoy to the full. We therefore offer a broad and balanced curriculum. The multi-cultural dimension of our school community is another strength; we celebrate our many diverse backgrounds, helping our children to become positive and responsible citizens.
We strive to build strong relationships with our parents and we value and encourage their involvement and support. We have high expectations of what children can do and we work hard, encouraging parents to support us, in order that our pupils can make the best possible progress.
Arranging a visit to New Horizons Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email Zoe.Winter@newhorizonsprimary.tsat.uk.
School location
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