Job Description

Job Title: Emotional Learning Support Assistant
Location: Sancton Wood School, Cambridge
Contract Type: Fixed Term (January - August)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: 21,000 per annum FTE (14,000 for Jan - August)

About Sancton Wood School

Sancton Wood School is a nurturing, inclusive, and academically ambitious independent school in the heart of Cambridge. We pride ourselves on providing a warm, community-focused environment where every child is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Role Overview
We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and emotionally intelligent Emotional Learning Support Assistant to join our pastoral and SEND teams on a fixed-term basis. The successful candidate will work closely with students who require additional emotional, social, or wellbeing support, helping to foster a safe and positive school experience.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about child wellbeing, mental health, and inclusive education, and who is eager to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of young people.
Key Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 and small-group emotional support to students, tailored to individual needs. Support students in developing resilience, emotional regulation, and positive social skills. Work in partnership with class teachers, the SENDCo, and the pastoral team to support students' welfare and learning. Assist in developing and delivering wellbeing-focused interventions. Observe and monitor students' progress, maintaining accurate records and reporting concerns where necessary. Build positive, trusting relationships with students, fostering a safe and supportive environment. Provide in-class support when needed to help children engage and succeed. Contribute to safeguarding practices and uphold the school's policies and values at all times.
Person Specification
Essential:

A warm, empathetic, and patient manner with children. Experience working with young people in an educational, pastoral, or support setting. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. An understanding of emotional wellbeing, behaviour support, or SEND needs. Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Reliable, proactive, and committed to promoting inclusion and student welfare.
Desirable:

Training in emotional literacy support (e.g., ELSA) or similar wellbeing-based approaches. Experience in mental-health support, counselling skills, or therapeutic interventions. Experience working in an independent school environment.
Safeguarding
Sancton Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the TES website or please contact emma.warner@dukeseducation.com for more information and for the school application form.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: 14,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Discounted or free food On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person