Hello and welcome to our school ELSA page!
We are pleased to be able to share information with parents about Emotional Literacy Support Assistant on our school website. On this page we aim to post ideas and helpful advice on how you can help your child: for example – in areas such as empathy, self-esteem or perhaps to pick up some tips about calming techniques. Parents/carers will be able to find out about recommended books which may be useful and links to other websites for some self-help at home.
What is ELSA?
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft. ELSA sessions take place in a calm and safe spaces in school which provides a child to feel supported and nurtured.
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
Recognising emotions
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Social skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement
Our school ELSA lead is Miss E Rider.
