Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Join Our Team at Polaris Education - Redstone Hall School!

Position: Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69
Location: Ipswich
Start Date: ASAP

Why Choose Us?

At Redstone Hall School, we’re not just about education; we’re about creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered. Our school, located in Ipswich, caters to up to 30 pupils aged 5 to 18 with complex needs. 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 dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We take pride in our achievements, with 100% of our education services rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As an ELSA, you will play a vital role in supporting our students' emotional and academic journeys. Your responsibilities will include:

• Enhancing wellbeing, resilience, and behaviour management within the school.
• Collaborating with the education team to remove barriers to learning.
• Promoting positive learning behaviours among our young people.
• Leading classes during planning, preparation, and assessment (PPA) time.
• Delivering enriching activities that inspire and engage.
• Providing support during lessons for academic and emotional needs.
• Responding to immediate concerns and clarifying situations.
• Creating and organizing information related to lessons and interventions.
• Preparing information for meetings regarding pupil progress.
• Advocating for the ethos of Redstone Hall School.
• Leading pastoral interventions and tracking student progress.
• Fostering relationships with parents and carers.
• Leading ELSA sessions and participating in 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

We believe in supporting our staff just as much as our students. Here’s what you can expect:

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

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

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