Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
Welcome to our school ELSA page…
We are pleased to be able to share information with parents about our Emotional Literacy Support. On this page, our aim is to update you with ideas and helpful advice on how you can help and support your child in areas such as self-esteem, empathy, managing feelings and emotions, book recommendations, activities or perhaps pick up tips, strategies and techniques to use with your child.
What is ELSA?
ELSA is there for children and young people in school that are facing challenges in their life. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
We are lucky enough to have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant here at Townley School. Miss Hammond has been trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term emotional needs.
The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but occasionally, some group work is more appropriate, especially in areas of social and friendship skills.
Sessions are fun! A range of activities are used such as: games, role-play, feelings stones, cards, books, arts and crafts etc.
How does it work?
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher. Miss Hammond will then assess the pupil and if additional support is needed then a letter will be sent home to parents/carers asking for consent. Miss Hammond will then plan support sessions to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies that allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively. These sessions will then be reviewed as and when necessary.
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a range of emotional needs:
Recognising emotions
Self-esteem
Social skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement
Family illness or separation