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.
Our ELSA has been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of work is delivered in small groups where appropriate especially in areas of social and friendship skills, however it may be more effective to carry out sessions on 1:1 basis. ELSA sessions provide a calm, safe space for children to feel supported, nurtured and listened to.
We provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
- Recognising and understanding emotions and feelings
- Social skills
- Friendship skills
- Self esteem
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Attachment
- Loss and bereavement
- Relaxing techniques
- Resilience
How does ELSA work?
Children are referred for ELSA support by their class teacher or SENCO. We then identify and prioritise which children require support to facilitate the pupil in developing new coping strategies. The sessions take place once a week . ELSA programmes are delivered over 6-12 week period.
Supporting – Not fixing
ELSA provides emotional support for those who need it, providing them with the tools to build confidence. We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with pupils to provide a reflective space where children are able to share their thoughts and feelings freely.
For children who require additional support outside of ELSA, the Inclusion Team can refer for further intervention to target specific aspects or more complex needs through Young Minds Matter, CAMHS or other multiagency partnerships. All referrals are always completed with full informed consent from parents or guardians.
What is Emotional Literacy?
Pupil Voice.
"I love going to ELSA, I have learnt grounding techniques such as counting colours, it helps me to feel calmer"
"ELSA is fun, I liked working as part of team and making new friends"
"The best bit was making mindfulness bottles, you get to shake them and watch your emotions settle"
"I now know that my legs feel shaky when I'm beginning to get angry, this means that I can use my strategies to help me calm down before I explode"
"I liked using Five Star Breathing, we practised this with the bubbles to make sure I could control my breathing"
"I enjoyed using the Lego to explain how I was feeling, it just made sense!"
