ELSA

What is an ELSA?

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

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 addressed. ELSAs aim to provide strategies to to enable them to help with the social or emotional challenges children may be facing.

The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, once a week for 30 minutes for six weeks. 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 and therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft.  ELSA sessions take place in our very own 'ELSA room' which provides a calm, safe space for the children to feel supported and nurtured, where they can express themselves, develop resilience and feel supported.

What Can an ELSA help with?

• Loss and bereavement

• Self-esteem

• Social skills

• Friendship issues

• Relationships

• Managing strong feelings

• Anxiety and worry

• Conflict

• Emotional regulation

How does ELSA Work?

Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher. Pupils may also be eligible if parents voice concerns about their child's mental health at home, which they may be masking at school. The ELSA team, along with Mrs Nunwick and Mr Gallagher meet regularly to discuss the referral forms and to prioritise which children require the weekly sessions. The ELSAs will then contact parents and invite them in for a meeting to discuss the process further. Once your child has completed their 6 weeks of ELSA sessions, we will invite you back into school for another meeting to discuss the strategies that we have worked on with your child.

The ELSA team at Moss Park

Supporting not Fixing

Remember, ELSAs are not there to fix children's problems. What we can do is provide emotional support. We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where they are able to share honestly their thoughts and feelings.

It needs to be appreciated that change cannot necessarily be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the context and complexity of the presenting issues. For children with complex or long-term needs, it is unrealistic to expect ELSA intervention to resolve all of their difficulties, however, support will be designed to target specific aspects of a child's need.

What ELSA is not.

Long term counselling

A nice chat

A reward for unacceptable behaviour

An alternative to CAMHS

Family therapy

Self-harm nurse

A quick fix

Magical problem-solver