ELSA
What is an ELSA?
An ELSA is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSAs are trained in many areas from emotional literacy to active listening and regularly supervised by Educational Psychologists. ELSAs support children’s emotional development to help them to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They understand the barriers to learning that some children might have and can help them with this.
What is an ELSA’s scope of practice?
It is important that ELSAs work within their scope of practice and only cover things they are trained to cover. Any concerns out of their scope of practice should be discussed with their Educational Psychologist and/or referred on to outside agencies. An ELSA is not there to fix problems but to help children to find their own solutions and offer that important support to them. ELSA is about creating a safe and reflective space for the child.
What areas does an ELSA help with?
- Loss and bereavement
- Emotional Literacy
- Self-esteem
- Social Skills
- Friendship issues
- Relationships
- Managing strong feelings
- Anxiety and worries
- Bullying
- Conflict
- Emotional Regulation
- Growth Mindset
- Social and therapeutic stories
- Problem solving
How are children or young people referred for ELSA?
- Class teacher referral
- Sendco referral
- Outside agency referral
A lot of what children are being referred for is normal behaviour, please be aware that new or different behaviours are in fact normal for children, they will go through behaviour phases which is a natural part of their development.
How long should an ELSA Intervention last?
ELSA intervention should be a short-term focus intervention with clear aims. Usually an intervention lasts 6-8 weeks. Ideally, we will start at the start of term and finish at half term.
Clear programme aims (SMART targets) are set early on and each session has an objective – something the ELSA wants to help the pupil understand or achieve. Children respond well to boundaries and rules.
It is important to have a period of no ELSA input following the end of an ELSA intervention as the child needs to digest the learnt information and put it into practice. Children need to have time to develop independence around the learnt skills.
For pupils with complex or long-term needs, it is unrealistic to expect ELSA support to resolve all their difficulties. Change is a long-term process that needs everyone’s help.
What does a typical ELSA session look like?
There would be a welcome for the child along with an emotional check in. How do they feel today?
A warm up or icebreaker game or activity would be played.
The main activity would follow where the ELSA would be teaching something to help the pupil with their target. The ELSA would also review what was learnt last time to see if the child has remembered and if they used the skill taught.
There would be a relaxation exercise to help the child be ready for class and a quick review on what the child has learnt that session. At this point the ELSA may ask the child to do something for next time. eg. practise star breathing when feeling angry.
What can I expect as a parent?
As a parent, you can expect your child to receive personalised emotional support from an ELSA once a week in school. You will be informed that this intervention is taking place but the ELSA cannot discuss what your child says in the sessions unless it is in the interest of the child’s welfare. This is as ELSA is a safe, secure space for your child to open up about their thoughts and feelings, the ELSA wants them to feel supported and safe with the knowledge that ELSA is separate from home.
It is okay if a child does not want to talk to you about what they have been doing in their ELSA sessions, they will open up in their own time. Create a safe, secure space and let your child come to you in their own time. Do not force it, forcing it may make them think “something is wrong with me” or cause them to clam up further (or make something up to be able to be left alone).
Who are the ELSAs in school?
Mrs Sawyer
Mrs Prall
Miss Prall
Other resources
Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
Suffolk Mind - https://www.suffolkmind.org.uk/who-we-help/working-with-children-and-young-people/resources-to-support-children-and-young-people/
NSPCC - https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-health-development/child-mental-health
Barnardo’s - https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/mental-health
Family Line - https://family-action.org.uk/get-support/familyline/
Suffolk School Nursing Team - https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/childrens-health/school-nursing-service