Job Description

Are you passionate about children and young people achieving their potential in school and have experience of working in a school? If so, then the role of Extended Support Assistant may suit you.

The role of the ESA is to support the pupils and school by providing tailored assistance, to maximise the positive experience of school for both the pupil and teaching staff.

Extended Support Assistants support the placement of Learners with Education Health Care Plans to be successful in their local mainstream school. They also work alongside colleagues from the Inclusion and Alternative Provision Team to support children and young people identified as having SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs in order to prevent placement breakdown.

With guidance and support from an Adviser, you will work in partnership with school staff, parents, carers and other agencies to provide high quality short-term intervention and support for children and young people. You will work with children and young people on a 1:1 basis, supporting them to access their learning and be successful in their school.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Are calm and confident, with a passion for supporting vulnerable learners
• Are self-motivated
• Are solution-focussed
• Are able to work well as part of a team
• Are able to meet the travel requirements of the role, which may mean deployment to any school in the county

If you are confident, calm, and passionate about vulnerable children and young people achieving their potential, then we would like to hear from you.

We have two vacancies available - one is permanent and one is fixed term until July 2027. The post is term time only and therefore the salary would be pro-rata.

The posts will be countywide with a geographical base allocated at either County Hall in Lewes, St Mary's House in Eastbourne or Cavendish House in Hastings. There is flexibility for some home working as part of a hybrid working model. You will be supported through regular supervisions, case discussions and peer support.

In addition to opportunities to grow your career within our team, we offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment, which include:

• Opportunities for flexi-time working
• Regular CPD opportunities
• Options for lease car scheme
• Loans for certain purposes at preferential rates

More information can be found on our benefits page.

To apply for this role, please follow the 'Apply Now' button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.

Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information.

Interviews will take place in person at St Mary's House, Eastbourne on Monday 2 March 2026.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

If you have any questions or would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please email the following with your questions or a request to set up a phone call: Annie Pope - annie.pope@eastsussex.gov.uk

The role of Extended Support Assistant is a unique opportunity to support pupils in East Sussex schools to reach their potential in their local school.

"The best thing about working here is that everyone's really supportive and you always get the opportunity to develop your qualifications." - Lesley, Personal Assistant

For collaboration, not competition, chose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

East Sussex County Council provides various public services and support to residents and businesses in East Sussex.