ELSA Teaching Assistant


Company:	senploy
Salary:	£110 to £130 a day
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	OX25 2NW
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	18 Sept 2026
Closing date:	14 Oct 2026

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Summary

SEN Teaching Assistant - ELSA Experience

Location: Merton, South London - commutable from Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden, Colliers Wood and Raynes Park

Pay: £110-£125 per day

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Long-term temporary with potential to become permanent

Long Term Futures is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with ELSA experience to join an inclusive school in Merton, South London, for an immediate start.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who combines practical SEND knowledge with a strong understanding of emotional literacy, wellbeing and pastoral support. You will work with pupils who require additional help to manage their emotions, develop resilience, build positive relationships and engage successfully with learning.

The school is particularly interested in candidates who have previously delivered ELSA interventions or provided structured emotional and social support within an educational setting.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

- Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group SEND support

- Deliver or support structured ELSA interventions

- Help pupils recognise, understand and communicate their emotions

- Support children experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, friendship difficulties or emotional dysregulation

- Develop pupils' resilience, confidence and social skills

- Support children with needs including Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication difficulties

- Use strategies outlined within EHCPs and individual support plans

- Provide a calm space for pupils who require additional emotional support

- Use positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies where appropriate

- Monitor interventions and provide feedback on pupil progress

- Work collaboratively with teaching, SEND and pastoral staff to maintain consistent support

- Previous ELSA experience is highly desirable

- Strong practical experience supporting pupils with SEN/SEND

- Experience delivering emotional literacy, wellbeing or pastoral interventions

- Understanding of SEMH, anxiety and emotional regulation

- Confident providing both 1:1 and small-group support

- Experience supporting pupils with Autism and/or ADHD would be advantageous

- Able to establish trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries

- Calm, empathetic and consistent when pupils are experiencing emotional difficulties

- Strong communication and record-keeping skills

- Reliable and committed to a full-time, long-term position

- Available to start ASAP

- Inclusive setting within Merton, South London

- Strong focus on SEND, pastoral care and pupil wellbeing

- Supportive SEND and pastoral team

- Emphasis on early intervention and individualised support

- Positive environment focused on helping pupils develop confidence and independence

- Full-time, long-term opportunity

- Potential progression into a permanent school-based position

- Weekly pay

- Free CPD covering SEND, Autism, Behaviour Management and Safeguarding

- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

If you're an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with ELSA experience looking for an immediate-start opportunity in Merton, apply today with your CV.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Hannah at Long Term Futures.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

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