What is an ELSA?
An ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a member of staff who is trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy.
What is emotional literacy?
- Understanding and coping with the feeling about ourselves and others.
- Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others.
- Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning.
Some of the areas the ELSA may work on:
- Recognising emotions.
- Self-esteem.
- Social skills.
- Friendship skills.
- Anger management.
- Loss and bereavement.
How does the ELSA work?
- A regular slot during the school week for 30-45 minutes.
- Sessions can be individual or in small groups and tailored to the child’s individual needs.
- Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and craft and stories.
- They include time to talk.
- A pupil’s progress will be reviewed on a half-termly basis.
As a parent/carer, how can you help?
- By informing the class teacher if there are any issues that may be affecting your child.
- Please feel welcome to contact your child’s teacher or the ELSA if you have any questions.
The ELSA in Bridekirk Dovenby School is Mrs Hayhurst
If you would like more information about the ELSA work we offer in school please contact the school office. The following website may also answer some of your questions...
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/