Hello and welcome to our school ELSA page!
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, and 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.
We are lucky enough to have two qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs.
In our 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 SENCO. 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.
Each session lasts from 30 - 45 minutes once a week.
Supporting - not fixing
ELSAs are there to provide emotional support.
We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where they are able to share their thoughts and feelings.
The benefits:
- Develop coping strategies and talk about difficulties.
- Interact more successfully with others.
- Develop greater self-awareness.
- Manage school better and feel better about themselves.
- Find solutions to problems they might have.
- Feel listened to and supported.
Each session lasts from 30 - 45 minutes once a week on a six-week block.
However, the sessions may continue depending on the level of need.
For more information:
http://www.actionforhappiness.org/
http://www.elsa-support.co.uk/