Job title: Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Job type: Contract
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Primary / Infant / Junior
Functional Expertise: Non-Class Based
Pay interval: Hourly
Pay rate: Negotiable
Location: Brent, London
Job published: 05-06-2026
Job ID: 120786

Job Description

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) – Brent – September 2026

An ambitious Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is required for a welcoming one-form-entry primary school in Brent from September 2026. This Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) role would suit a high-achieving graduate from a top university with strong experience supporting children with SEMH needs, emotional regulation barriers and social communication challenges.

  • Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) role in a small Brent primary school with approximately 210 pupils on roll.

  • Full-time, term-time-only role, ideal for a graduate considering Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Teaching or SEN.

  • Work closely with an experienced SENCO, class teachers and pastoral staff in a close-knit school community.

  • Excellent opportunity to gain structured school-based experience supporting pupils with SEMH, anxiety, low self-esteem and friendship difficulties.

  • The successful Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group emotional literacy support across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

  • The school has around 15-20% of pupils receiving SEN support, with a small number of pupils supported through EHCPs.

  • Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) applicants must be graduates from a strong university, ideally with a 2:1 or above.

  • Previous experience working with children with SEMH needs is essential, either in a school, mentoring, tutoring, youth work, care or charity setting.

  • The Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) will help pupils develop resilience, confidence, positive behaviour choices and emotional awareness.

  • You will support pupils who may find transitions, routines, peer relationships or classroom expectations challenging.

  • This Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) role requires patience, emotional maturity, strong communication skills and a calm, consistent approach.

  • The school is based in Brent, within reach of strong transport links across North West London.

  • Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) candidates must be committed, reflective and able to build trusted relationships with vulnerable pupils.

  • This Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) role is ideal for a graduate who wants meaningful, long-term experience before further training.

Ribbons & Reeves are London’s leading Education Recruiters. We specialise in helping educators of all level’s secure long-term and permanent roles, such as this ‘Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)’ in ‘Brent’. For other roles like this, check out our website, search ‘Ribbons & Reeves’. We look forward to supporting you in your application to this ‘Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)’ role.

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