Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)
An ELSA in a school is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. These assistants are trained by a range of professionals to deliver a carefully targeted and educational intervention following a referral by class teachers or if parents have raised any concerns. At Whale Hill Primary, we are committed to working together to ensure the inclusion, achievement and well-being of all pupils. Whatever the concern, it’s our aim to make sure the children here feel safe, happy and ready to learn and ELSA provides them with the strategies for these. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on a one to one basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social or friendship skills.
As part of their training, ELSA leads are provided with the skills to support:
- Social skills,
- Emotions,
- Bereavement,
- Provide social stories and therapeutic stories,
- Anger management,
- Self-esteem,
- Counselling skills such as solution focus and friendship.
ELSA Staff
We are fortunate to have four staff members who deliver ELSA support to children. These are Mrs Laverick, Miss McGee, Mrs Hoe and Mrs Brown.
