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Posted 31 July, 2026

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Polaris Community
Ipswich, England, United Kingdom Full Time
Reference: 02774b4f-8719-459d-b8d4-46470b4dd447

Join Our Team as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Location: Ipswich

Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only

Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69

Start Date: ASAP

About Redstone Hall School

Welcome to Redstone Hall School, a vibrant new establishment in Ipswich dedicated to nurturing the potential of pupils aged 5 to 18 with complex needs. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe in a holistic approach that balances academic progress with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, with 100% of our education services rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing and learning readiness of our students. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting improvements in wellbeing, resilience, and behaviour management.
  • Collaborating with the education team to remove barriers to learning.
  • Promoting positive learning behaviours among students.
  • Leading classes during planning, preparation, and assessment (PPA) time.
  • Delivering enriching activities that engage and inspire.
  • Assisting pupils during lessons with academic and emotional support.
  • Responding to immediate concerns and clarifying situations.
  • Creating and collating information related to lessons and interventions.
  • Preparing information for meetings concerning pupils.
  • Acting as an advocate for the ethos of Redstone Hall School.
  • Leading pastoral interventions and reviewing student progress.
  • Developing the role of pupil voice and liaising with the Senior Leadership Team.
  • Building relationships with parents and carers to support transitions.
  • Leading ELSA sessions and completing local authority training.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should have:

  • A strong educational background, with at least GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
  • Experience in a similar role, such as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant or Cover Supervisor.
  • Experience working with pupils with SEMH and/or autism in an educational setting.
  • Effective behaviour management techniques.
  • A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.

What We Offer You

At Redstone Hall School, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

  • A supportive workplace that prioritizes your wellbeing.
  • Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
  • The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
  • A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, which will be covered by Redstone Hall School.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.

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