Well-being / ELSA resources
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support
WELCOME!
Hello and welcome to our school ELSA page!
I am pleased to be able to share information with you, about Emotional Literacy Support page on the school website. The aim of this page is 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
What is ELSA?
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. 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.
I feel privileged to have been trained and supported by a team of Education Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs.
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, using 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 'ELSA room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
During the ELSA sessions 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 does ELSA work?
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, Senior Leaders or on occasion the SENDCo. I regularly meet with Miss Burge, our school SENDCo to discuss the referral forms and to identify and prioritise which children require a weekly programme for the next 6-8 weeks. With the programme aims in mind, I 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.
Supporting - not fixing
Remember, an ELSA, is not there to fix children's problems. However, we can provide emotional support. Our aim is to establish a warm, respectful relationship with the pupils, providing them with a reflective space where they are able to share, honestly, their thoughts and feelings.
Mrs Julia Wilkins (ELSA)