Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

ERS Education is a London-based specialist SEN recruitment agency, working exclusively within Special Educational Needs. We are currently recruiting trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) for supply, long-term and permanent opportunities across London, including special schools, SEMH settings and mainstream schools with dedicated SEN provisions.

If you are a qualified ELSA who is passionate about supporting children and young people with their emotional wellbeing, resilience and social development, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

As an ELSA, you will provide structured, evidence-based emotional literacy support to pupils identified as requiring additional emotional and social support. You will work closely with the school’s SENCO and educational psychologist, following an agreed programme designed around individual pupil needs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Planning and delivering individual and small-group ELSA sessions

• Supporting pupils with identified emotional, social and behavioural needs

• Delivering programmes set by the school’s educational psychologist or SENCO

• Helping pupils develop emotional vocabulary, self-regulation and positive coping strategies

• Building trusting relationships with pupils and providing a safe, supportive environment

• Maintaining concise session records and monitoring pupil progress

• Working closely with class teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to ensure a consistent approach

• Attending relevant CPD, supervision and training sessions as required by the school

What We’re Looking For

• Completed ELSA training through an accredited programme delivered by an educational psychologist

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, ASD, anxiety, emotional needs or complex behavioural difficulties

• A warm, patient and non-judgemental approach

• The ability to build strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable pupils

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Good written communication skills for session notes and pupil records

• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

What ERS Education Offers

• £80–£110 per day for supply work, depending on experience and school

• £22,000–£28,000 per year for permanent positions, depending on experience and school

• Flexible supply work where you choose your availability

• Long-term and permanent opportunities across London’s SEN and SEMH settings

• Access to a wide range of specialist SEN schools and provisions

• A dedicated SEN recruitment consultant who understands the sector - not a call centre

• A personal, one-to-one registration process

• Honest, practical feedback on your CV, experience and employment prospects

• Ongoing support throughout your placement

About ERS Education

ERS Education is a specialist SEN recruitment agency based in London. We work exclusively within Special Educational Needs, placing ELSAs, SEN TAs, LSAs, HLTAs, Behaviour Mentors, SENCOs and SEN Teachers into special schools, SEMH settings and mainstream schools with SEN provisions across the capital.

ERS was co-founded by an ex-headteacher, giving us first-hand insight into what schools need and what makes an exceptional SEN professional.

Ready for your next ELSA opportunity in London? Apply today to speak with the ERS Education SEN team