ELSA
Welcome to ELSA at Whitby Heath
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
We are lucky enough to have three qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant at Whitby Heath Primary School. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft. ELSA sessions typically take place in our very own 'ELSA room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
- Recognising emotions
- Self-esteem
- Social skills
- Friendship skills
- Anger management
- Loss and bereavement
Please remember that change cannot be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the complexity and context of the presenting issue. We will however aim to provide an environment where pupils feel able to honestly express their thoughts and feelings.
If you would like a little support at home, here is a website you can access which has lots of free resources and ideas you could use at home www.elsa-support.co.uk.
