At Newlands Primary School, we are committed to supporting every child’s emotional and social development. Our team works together to create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel understood, valued, and supported. Key staff include our trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Pastoral Leader, classroom teachers, teaching assistants and pastoral staff, who collaborate to provide tailored guidance and practical strategies for children to build confidence, manage their emotions, and develop positive relationships. This support is offered through a tiered approach, ensuring that every child receives the right level of help at the right time.

Tier 1 - Universal Support

All children benefit from a whole-school approach to emotional and social well-being. Our Jigsaw PSHE programme provides structured lessons that help children develop self-awareness, emotional literacy, and social skills. Beyond formal lessons, teachers and support staff provide daily guidance and encouragement, helping children manage feelings, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships throughout the school day.

We also support parents and carers by signposting to additional resources, including Mental Health in School Team (MHST) workshops and the school nurse, so families can access advice and guidance on promoting emotional and social well-being at home. This universal provision ensures that every child and family has access to consistent support, practical strategies, and a safe, nurturing environment in which to thrive.

Tier 2 - Targeted Emotional Support (ELSA)

Some children require additional support to develop their emotional literacy and social skills. Our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) programme is designed to help children thrive by addressing emotional needs alongside learning. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists and is delivered by our trained ELSA, Mrs Clark, who has received specialist training from the Educational Psychologists in Southampton.

ELSA support is usually individual, but small group sessions are sometimes used to enhance social and friendship skills. Sessions are engaging and interactive, using a range of activities such as games, role-play, arts and crafts, and mindfulness exercises. These activities help to:

• Encourage cooperation with others
• Build self-esteem through positive social interaction
• Demonstrate effective social behaviour
• Explore the feelings of others through imaginative scenarios
• Use age-appropriate storytelling to discuss emotional matters in a safe space

Sessions take place in our dedicated Rainbow Fish Room, providing a calm and nurturing environment. ELSA supports a wide range of emotional needs, including:

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulation
• Empathy
• Social skills
• Motivation

We recognise that when a child experiences a bereavement or significant loss, it is important to allow time for them to process their feelings. Support is always child-led, ensuring that any intervention meets the child’s needs at the right moment. While parents may request support immediately, we carefully consider the timing and type of support. We also provide guidance to families by signposting to local charities, such as Simon Says, for additional advice and resources.

Children are typically referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, senior leaders, or occasionally the SENCo. Every half term, Mrs Halsey, Deputy Headteacher in charge of Inclusion and pastoral care, meets with Mrs Clark and Mrs Cook to review referrals and prioritise children for a weekly 6–8 week programmes. Individual targets are set to help children develop strategies to manage social and emotional challenges more effectively.

It is important to note that change can be gradual. ELSA intervention is not designed to “fix” children’s problems but to provide emotional support that helps them continue to access learning and develop coping strategies. For children with more complex or long-term needs, we may consult with our Educational Psychologist to ensure the support provided is appropriate.

Tier 3 - Bespoke Support and Specialist Consultation

For children whose needs are more acute, or if Tier 2 support has not fully addressed their challenges, we offer bespoke support through our Pastoral Leader, Mrs Cook. She supports children coping with life changes at home, such as being a young carer, experiencing family breakups, or witnessing challenging events.

Mrs Cook provides one-to-one sessions to explore emotional and behavioural strategies and may also signpost families to additional resources, including the MHST team and local parenting support programmes. Common areas of support include:

• Behaviour management at home
• Developing independence
• Establishing routines, such as homework and bedtime

Appointments with Mrs Cook can be arranged by contacting the school office.

Our school also works closely with our Educational Psychologist, to provide specialist consultations. They support children with complex emotional or behavioural barriers to learning by advising staff and families on appropriate strategies and interventions.‍