Burpham Primary School

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant  (ELSA)

The ELSA's aim is to support and develop children's emotional wellbeing through targeted sessions and to provide a safe and nurturing space for children to share their feelings. 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.

The ELSA can help children who may need support in the following areas that may be impacting their school experience:

• Recognising and Managing Emotions
• Anxiety
• Anger Management
• Loss and Bereavement
• Low Self-Esteem/ Confidence
• Family Separation 

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What happens in an ELSA session?

Each session is planned in advance and may include a range of activities such as therapeutic games, crafts, talking and listening, role-play and reading stories.

Typically, ELSA work takes place weekly for a duration of 6 to 8 sessions. They are designed to be fun and usually include an emotional check in, a targeted fun activity and some relaxation before returning to class.

Parents and carers are kept informed of progress and are encouraged to be involved.

Drawing and Talking is a child-centered one to one
intervention focusing on supporting the social and
emotional wellbeing of children and young people

For more information on Drawing and Talking please follow the link below. 

Drawing and Talking Parent and Carers Fact Sheet