What is an ELSA and how does the ELSA support children in school?

Mrs Helen Foord and Miss Rebecca Wallace are our school ELSAs and they work supporting children across the school in a number of different ways.

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.

We aim to 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

How does ELSA work?

Children are referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, senior leader or SENCo.  We then identify and prioritise which children require support and define the area to be planned and strategically supported to facilitate the pupil in developing new coping skills.  The sessions will take place once a week. ELSA programmes run for 6-12 weeks.

Supporting – Not fixing

ELSAs are not there to fix children’s problems. What they do is provide emotional support for those who need it. They aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where children are able to share honestly their thoughts and feelings.