ELSA

Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)

At our school, we are proud to offer dedicated Emotional Literacy Support through our trained ELSAs. This provision is part of the Surrey ELSA Network, which aims to support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in schools.

What is ELSA?

ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSAs are specially trained to support children with their emotional development and help them understand and manage their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment.

Areas of Support

Our ELSAs work with children on a wide range of emotional and social needs, including:

•             Self-esteem and confidence

•             Managing emotions and anger

•             Social skills and friendships

•             Bereavement and loss

•             Anxiety and worries

•             Coping with change and transitions

•             Building resilience

Support is tailored to each child’s individual needs and delivered through engaging activities, conversation, and creative approaches.

Examples of ELSA Activities

ELSA sessions are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, helping children express themselves and build emotional skills. Activities may include:

•             Feelings thermometers to help children identify and rate their emotions

•             Emotion wheels and card games to explore different feelings

•             Storytelling and role play to understand social situations and develop empathy

•             Crafts and drawing to express thoughts and feelings visually

•             Mindfulness exercises and breathing techniques to promote calm and focus

•             Social stories to support understanding of change, friendship, or loss

•             Confidence-building tasks such as compliment jars or achievement charts

These activities are always age-appropriate and adapted to suit each child’s interests and needs.

Session Format

ELSA support may be delivered through individual sessions or small group sessions, depending on the child’s needs and the focus of the support. Group sessions are particularly helpful for developing social skills, teamwork, and peer relationships.

Timeframes of Support

ELSA sessions typically run once a week for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. The aim is to equip children with strategies they can use independently beyond the sessions.

Communication with Families

If a child is identified as benefiting from ELSA support, the school will always inform their parent or carer before sessions begin. We value working in partnership with families to ensure the best outcomes for every child.