An ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a member of staff who is trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy.

What is emotional literacy?

- Understanding and coping with feelings about ourselves and others.

- Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others.

- Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning.

 

Some of the areas the ELSA may work on:

- Recognising emotions

- Self-esteem

- Social skills

- Friendship skills

- Anger management

- Loss and bereavement

 

How does the ELSA work?

- A regular slot during the school week

- Sessions can be individual or in small groups and tailored to the child’s individual needs.

- Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and craft and stories.

- They include time to talk.

- A child’s progress will be reviewed on a half-termly basis.

As a parent/carer how can you help?

- By informing the class teacher if there are any issues that may be affecting your child.

- Please feel welcome to contact your child’s teacher or the ELSA if you have any questions.

 

Our ELSA is Mrs Layla Birch