Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
* Location: Hastings
* Salary: £25,583 - £28,598 per year (Actual Salary £11,919)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working Pattern: Part-Time / Term-Time only
* Closing: Monday 5th January 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our dedicated and supportive team at Ark Blacklands Primary Academy. This role primarily involves working with pupils from EYFS to Year 3, with occasional support for Years 4–6, helping children develop emotional literacy and thrive in their learning.
This is a key role in our school community, focused on empowering children to understand and regulate their emotions while respecting the feelings of others.
We are looking for an experienced ELSA, to ensure the best support for our pupils. However, we are prepared to train the right candidate who is self-motivated and willing to undertake ample self-study in order to increase their own knowledge.
The successful candidate will:
✔ Be enthusiastic, flexible, and passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
✔ Have high expectations for themselves and the children they support.
✔ Show initiative and work independently as well as part of a team.
✔ Communicate effectively, gaining children’s trust through warmth and approachability.
✔ Be emotionally literate, empathetic, and committed to inclusion.
✔ Demonstrate excellent organisational skills and maintain accurate, confidential records.
✔ Stay calm under pressure and embrace feedback for continuous improvement.
About Ark Blacklands:
Together, we achieve!
There are 630 very good reasons to join our school!
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy is a large, 3-form entry primary school with a new intake each year of 3 forms, with 90 pupils in each year group, from reception through to year 6. Our staff make a tremendous effort to get to know each pupil and provide them with the very best care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, caring team of professionals, who are committed to providing the very best for every child in our school, and we will offer you plenty of opportunities for professional development with the very best training and support at every stage of your career.
Benefits working for our school:
* Generous pension scheme.
* Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
* Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
* Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
* Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
How to apply?
Please click the 'apply' button to be redirected back to our website to submit a full application.
For any questions, please contact Kolleen Ocson at kolleen.ocson@arkonline.org.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.