ELSA

What is an ELSA?

ELSA standards for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. In our school, these are specialist teaching assistants who are experienced at working with children around their social and emotional needs.

ELSAs are trained by Educational Psychologists (EPs) to support the emotional development of children and regularly attend supervision to support their work.

What do they do?

During ELSA sessions, children usually work as a group, however sometimes will attend individually. Children are usually offered 6-12 sessions initially.

Activities are completed with a focus on understanding about their feelings and/or those of others.

ELSA sessions can be for:

• Loss and bereavement
• Self esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship issues
• Relationships
• Managing strong or difficult feelings
• Worry or anxiety
• Conflict

The aim of the sessions are to build children's emotional development and help them to cope with life's challenges.