ELSA

What is an ELSA?

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.

An ELSA is a specialist teaching assistant with a wealth of experience of working with students. ELSAs help children and young people learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They provide the time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and feelings and how they manage them.

Our Aim

We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with students and to provide a reflective space where they can share honestly their thoughts and feelings. We can't fix their problems, but we CAN provide emotional support and strategies for them to manage and cope with their feelings  effectively and safely. 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 their difficulties, however support will be designed to target specific aspects of a child's need. If additional support is needed, we will work with our families to organise additional support from other agencies.

In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs

• Recognising and understanding emotions
• Building self esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship skills
• Anger and behaviour management
• Loss and bereavement
• Relaxation techniques
• Transition / change
• Teaching children skills to help them deal with their emotions.