ELSA

Emotional Literacy Support

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to our school ELSA page.

What is Emotional Literacy and why is it important?

Emotional literacy is the ability to express our emotions and feelings using speech and other forms of communication.  It is an important skill that children need to develop from a young age to help them establish a stable relationship with their own emotions.

ELSA acknowledges that children and young people learn best when they feel happier and their emotional needs are being addressed.

What is an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)?

ELSAs are specialist support staff who have received special training from Educational Psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in schools. ELSAs have regular supervision and support from Educational Psychologists to help them in their work, provide up-to-date training and develop their skills.

ELSAs are trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils in their school who may be experiencing temporary or long term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work will be on an individual basis with one child, however, there are cases where group sessions may be appropriate such as when working on social skills and friendship skills.

Sessions are fun and use a range of activities such as games, role-play, therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft.  ELSA sessions take place in The Snug which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.

How does ELSA work?

Children identified as needing ELSA work will have a regular slot during the school week of approximately 30-45 minutes, when we will see them in our ELSA room called The Snug.

Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher. Every half term, our ELSA and  SENCo will meet to discuss the referrals and prioritise those who need support with a weekly programme for 6-8 weeks. Our ELSA will then plan and deliver bespoke sessions tailored to the child’s individual needs.

Areas an ELSA may work on with a child

• Recognising Emotions
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Social Skills
• Friendship Skills
• Anger Management
• Loss and Bereavement

  Supporting not Fixing

  ELSAs provide emotional support and a listening ear. We help to guide children through their problems, we are there to support not fix.

  We aim to develop a friendly, supportive relationship with the children and provide a safe reflective space where they can share their thoughts and feelings.

  Sessions with the ELSAs may vary depending upon the child’s needs. It is unrealistic to expect ELSA intervention to resolve all difficulties, however support will be specific to the child’s individual needs.

  Training and development is an ongoing process but, issues beyond the level of our training will be referred on to other agencies after consultation with parents.