Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
An ELSA is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant which is a member of staff that is trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy.
Emotional Literacy is understanding and coping with the feelings about ourselves and others, it is about developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others and being emotionally literate to enable the child to focus better on their learning.
Interventions:
Regular slots offered weekly or bi-weekly for a total of 40-60 minutes.
Offered either for small groups or 1:1.
This is a 12-session programme tailored to bespoke areas of development, however after the 12 sessions if required individuals can be offered catch up sessions when needs arise.
Areas ELSA may work on:
- Recognising emotions
- Self-esteem
- Social skills
- Friendship skills
- Anger management
- Loss or bereavement
Referral process:
Referral needs to be completed by staff member and parental consent form needs to be completed. Speak to Ms Nolan, HOY or Designated safeguarding officer.
