What is Emotional Literacy and why is it important?
Emotional literacy is the ability to express our emotions and feelings using speech and other forms of communication. It is an important skill that children need to develop from a young age to help them establish a stable relationship with their own emotions.
ELSA acknowledges that children and young people learn best when they feel happier and their emotional needs are being addressed.
What is an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)?
ELSAs are specialist support staff who have received special training to support the emotional development of children and young people in schools. ELSAs have regular supervision and support from educational psychologists to support them in their work, provide up-to-date training and develop their skills.
ELSAs are trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils in school who may be experiencing temporary or long term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work will be on an individual basis with one child, however, there are cases where group sessions may be appropriate such as when working on social skills and friendship skills.
Sessions are fun and use a range of activities such as games, role-play, therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft. ELSA sessions at Hackleton take place in The Hub which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
How does ELSA work?
Children identified as needing ELSA work will have a regular slot during the school week of approximately 30-45 minutes.
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher. Every half term, our ELSA and SENDco/Inclusion Lead will meet to discuss the referrals and prioritise those who need support with a weekly programme for 6-8 weeks. Our ELSA will then plan and deliver bespoke sessions tailored to the child’s individual needs.
Areas an ELSA may work on with a child
- Recognising Emotions
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem
- Social Skills
- Friendship Skills
- Anger Management
- Loss and Bereavement
Supporting not Fixing
ELSAs provide emotional support and a listening ear. They help to guide children through their problems, they are there to support not fix.
The aim is to develop a friendly, supportive relationship with the children and provide a safe reflective space where they can share their thoughts and feelings.