ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

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Our ELSA understands that children learn best when their emotional needs are being met and they feel happier..

Our ELSA interventions supports our children to develop their emotional literacy skills across several areas, which include: 

  • Friendship and social skills 

  • Emotional regulation 

  • Loss and bereavement 

  • Self Esteem  

  • Identifying and understanding Emotions 

  • Growth mindset 

  • Anxiety and worry 

Once a child has been identified as requiring emotional support and a space has become available, consent is gained from their parent/guardian. Targets are then set and personalised sessions are planned for the children. Weekly sessions will begin, the sessions may be on a one-to-one basis or in small group. ELSA intervention typically runs for 6 sessions but may be a little longer if necessary. 

Most sessions will begin with an emotional check in or an activity which will help to relax the child. The main activity will be specific to the child’s target but the aim is always for this to be fun and engaging. It could include craft activities, games, stories, puppets or role play activities. Finally, the sessions will end with a calming, grounding activity such as a mindfulness task. This is to ensure that the children return to class feeling calm and happy. 

All sessions are confidential to help build a trusting and safe relationship between the ELSA and the pupils. However, any safeguarding concerns will be shared as stated in our safeguarding policies. Children are usually keen to share any work or achievements with their class teacher and usually any work produced is sent home on the last session.