Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

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.

At Esgob Morgan we are very lucky to have 3 fully qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, Miss Martin, Mrs Morris and Mrs Estlick. Our ELSAs 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. 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. Our sessions are planned thourally with input from the class teacher and the parent. They're fun and we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play and arts & craft.

We aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:

• Recognising emotions
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship skills
• Anger management
   

ELSAs receive clinical supervision from educational psychologists but they are line managed by our SENCo.  Mrs Subacchi works with our ELSAs to assist in the identification and prioritisation of pupils who would benefit from their support.