Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 36.25 hours, 39 weeks (term time plus one week)

Working pattern: 8.15am – 4pm, Monday to Friday

Salary: Pathway 4, £24,783 - £26,459 per annum (FTE £29,540 - £31,537)

Site: Gladstone Primary Academy

Closing date:  9am on Monday 8^th December

Start date:  January 2026

Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.  

Do you believe every child deserves the chance to grow, persevere and aspire, no matter the challenges they face? Are you passionate about supporting emotional wellbeing and helping young learners thrive in a multicultural, vibrant primary school community?

If so, Gladstone Primary Academy would love to hear from you! 

Your role:

As our ELSA, you’ll work closely with children across KS1 and KS2, providing one-to-one and small group support for those experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. You’ll create a calm, welcoming space where pupils feel safe to express themselves and develop essential emotional literacy skills, such as managing stress, building friendships, and boosting self-esteem.

You’ll plan and deliver personalised intervention programmes, liaise with teachers and the SENDCO, and contribute to our trauma-informed approach. Your ability to listen, empathise and communicate positively will be key, alongside patience, resilience and a non-judgemental outlook. Experience of working with children with social, emotional and mental health needs is essential, and knowledge of issues such as ASD, ADHD or attachment disorders would be an advantage.

Fluency Duty: As this role involves direct interaction with the public, it is essential that the candidate meets the Fluency Duty requirements as outlined in the Immigration Act 2016. The successful candidate must demonstrate fluency in English to ensure effective communication with our staff, parents and pupils.

About us:

Gladstone Primary Academy is a proud member of Thomas Deacon Education Trust, and we live by our values of growth, perseverance and aspiration. Here, you’ll be part of a supportive team that celebrates diversity and inclusion, in a school where over 30 languages are spoken and every culture is valued.

We invest in your development through regular ELSA supervision with an Educational Psychologist, CPD opportunities, and a strong wellbeing ethos. You’ll have the chance to shape young lives, see tangible progress, and work in a community that truly cares.

Why work for us?:

Join Thomas Deacon Education Trust and be part of a dedicated team committed to "working together to transform lives through education.”  To learn more about the benefits we have on offer, check out our video here: Employee Benefits

At TDET, 95% of our new employees highly rate our induction programme. Benefit from the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, ensuring you feel welcomed and well-prepared from day one.  According to our 2025 staff survey, 91% of staff are proud to work for TDET!

If you’re ready to inspire confidence, nurture resilience and help children flourish, we’d love to hear from you.

TDET - Working together to transform lives through education

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

At Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Join us in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all contributions are valued.

If you have any questions regarding this post, please contact the HR Team on e-mail at  hrteam@tdet.education