ELSA Trained Teaching Assistant

ELSA Teaching Assistant - Primary & Secondary Support - Southampton - September 2025 Start

Location: Southampton
Start Date: September 2025
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term (potential to become permanent)
Daily Rate: £100 - £130 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Are you a caring, ELSA-trained professional with a passion for supporting young people's emotional wellbeing? A school in Southampton is looking for a dedicated ELSA Teaching Assistant to join their support team this September. This full-time, long-term position offers the opportunity to work across both primary and secondary age groups, making a real difference in children's lives from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 4.

About the Role:

As an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), you'll provide targeted support to students who may be struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, or other wellbeing concerns. Working with both individuals and small groups, you'll help pupils build resilience, confidence, and the tools they need to thrive-both inside and outside the classroom.

This is a truly rewarding role for someone who believes that emotional wellbeing is the foundation of successful learning.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering bespoke ELSA sessions to primary and secondary students

• Supporting pupils in recognising, understanding and managing their emotions

• Encouraging healthy coping strategies and emotional resilience

• Building nurturing, trusting relationships to create safe spaces for self-expression

• Collaborating with class teachers, pastoral leads, SENCOs and external agencies

• Contributing to support plans and regularly feeding back on student progress

What We're Looking For:

• ELSA qualification/training is essential

• Experience supporting young people in education, pastoral, or mental health settings

• A warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach

• Excellent communication and listening skills

• Confidence working with both primary and secondary age groups

• A calm, patient presence with the ability to remain flexible and adaptable

• A genuine desire to support emotional wellbeing in a school setting

About the School:

This is a caring and forward-thinking school community that places student wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. With a strong emphasis o