WELCOME

Hello and welcome to our school ELSA page!

We are pleased to be able to share information with parents about Emotional Literacy Support on the school website. On this page we aim to post ideas and helpful advice on how you can help your child; for example in areas such as empathy, self esteem or perhaps to pick up some tips about calming techniques. Parents and carers will be able to find out about recommended books which may be useful and links to other websites for some self-help at home.

Mrs Cook (Pastoral Leader) and Mrs Clark (ELSA)

What is an ELSA?

They are specialist support staff who have received specific training from Educational Psychologists from whom they receive on-going supervision following training. Their role is to support children and young people in school to understand and regulate their own emotions, learn to respect themselves and others around them and develop their personal resiliency.

The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft.  ELSA sessions take place in our very own 'Rainbow Fish Room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.

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

Recognising emotions
    Self-esteem
    Social skills
    Friendship skills

   Anger management

Loss and bereavement

How do ELSA referrals work?

Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, Senior Leaders or on occasion the SENCo. Every half term, Mrs Clark and Mrs Cook (Pastoral Leader) meet to discuss the referral forms and to identify and prioritise those children who require a weekly programme for the next 6-8 weeks. With the programme aims in mind we 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.