ELSA Support

Many parents will be aware that we offer emotional support in school by a trained ELSA. This stands for ‘Emotional Literacy Support Assistants’.  Mrs Lisa Richards is our Lead ELSA at Wessex.  Below, is a little more about how she supports your children.

What exactly is Emotional Literacy?

• Understanding and coping with feelings about ourselves and others
•  Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others
•  Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning

  Which areas will an ELSA spend time supporting children with:

•  Self- esteem
•  Social skills
•  Friendship skills
•  Anger management
•  Loss and bereavement

  How do ELSAs work?

• There is a regular slot for each child during the school week for 30-45 minutes
•  Sessions can be individual or in small groups and tailored to the child’s individual needs
•  Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, arts and crafts and stories
•  They include time to talk
•  A pupil’s progress will be reviewed against pre-determined targets on a half termly basis

 How can parents be involved / help?

• By informing the class teacher if there are any issues that may be affecting your child
• By encouraging your child to speak to their teacher or Mrs Richards
• Some of your children will know Mrs Richards hrough havingt 1:1 or group sessions.

If you think this is something that would benefit your child or you would like us to call you to chat this through further, then please email: SENCO@wessexprimary.org