Emotional Literacy Support Assistant Project – Supporting Children and Young People’s Wellbeing
Who are ELSAs?
An ELSA is a school or college staff member who has been trained to support children and young people with emotional or social difficulties. They help children to develop skills to manage anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, social skills, amongst other areas of social and emotional need.
ELSAs are trained specifically to build good relationships with children and young people and to use engaging and creative methods in their work.
What do ELSAs do?
ELSAs work closely with teachers to set clear objectives for individual children and young people. The ELSA will then work on these objectives with the child or young person individually or in a small group. Activities targeting the needs of the child or young person will be planned carefully by the ELSA.
ELSAs complete a nationally recognised training course designed specifically for them. It covers a wide range of areas including: social skills, emotions, bereavement and loss, social stories, neurodiversity, emotional regulation, self-esteem and wellbeing.
Will my child enjoy the ELSA sessions?
ELSA sessions are planned and tailor made to suit the needs of the children and young people. The sessions are designed to be fun and interactive to engage and motivate the child or young person.
The ELSA may use a range of activities throughout the sessions which could include games, puppets, role play, making things, talking and listening etc. For example, puppets can be a great way of modelling social situations or getting children and young people to talk about how they feel in different circumstances.
What if my child needs further help?
Your child’s progress will be monitored closely during the ELSA programme. If the school/college or parent feels that the child or young person needs further support, the school has access to a range of external support services. ELSAs have close links with the school’s Educational Psychologist.
What are the benefits of ELSA?
Children and young people learn better and are happier if their emotional needs are addressed.
They learn to:
- Develop coping strategies and talk about difficulties.
- Interact more successfully with others.
- Develop greater self-awareness, manage school better and feel better about themselves.
- Children and young people with an ELSA feel they have been listened to and supported.
What can a parent or carer do to support at home?
- Find time to listen to your child
- Do lots of fun things together
- Encourage your child to see the positives in every situation
- Encourage problem solving to find peaceful solutions
- Help your child to see things from the view of other people
- Discuss any problems or concerns you have with your child’s teacher/SENCO/head of year
Who to contact to get ELSA support for your child
You can speak with your child or young person’s education setting or read their school SEND offer, to find out if they have a trained ELSA that can support your child.
If you are looking to become an ELSA then you will need to speak with the school, college or other organisation that employs you.
TeachNow have written a blog which discusses the role of the ELSA and ELSA’s share their stories and views.
