What is ELSA? ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage to their potential with learning. Some children may require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. At Arnesby School we take pride in this being a high priority, to ensure that children are ready to learn.
We help manage rather than fix children’s problems. We provide emotional support and aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and provide a reflective space where they can share their thoughts and feelings honestly without judgement.
ELSA sessions take place in our learning lodge which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured ensuring that we can offer the very best to our children.
ELSA’s are trained to support children in a range of areas, including:
- Self Esteem to allow every child to shine
- Behaviour and communication
- Anger management tools
- Social Skills
- Loss and Bereavement support
- Understanding Emotions
- Bullying and speaking out
- Anxiety management tools
- Conflict resolution
Most ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes group work is more appropriate, especially in areas of friendship and social skills.
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by School Senior Leadership or SENDCo. Pupils are prioritised and a programme of 6-8 weeks facilitates the pupil in developing new skills, tools and coping strategies that allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively. A review after the programme allows children to reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes.
Mrs. Nikki Spencer- Parkes is our trained ELSA. Nikki has followed a training programme delivered by Educational Psychologists at Psychology 360 and has completed this successfully which forms the basis of theory and practical aspects of the sessions. Nikki is kept up to date with resources and research through supervision session as training and development of ELSA’s is an ongoing process.
