ELSA at Brackenwood
What is ELSA?
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 a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant at our school. Mrs Lamprou has 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 arts and craft. ELSA sessions take place in our 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 emotion
Self-esteem
Social skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement
How does ELSA work?
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, Senior Leaders or on occasion the SENDCO. Target areas of support will be identified by the class teacher. With the programme aims in mind Mrs Lamprou will then plan support sessions to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies that allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.
Supporting – not fixing
Remember, ELSA is not there to fix children’s problems. What we can do is provide emotional support. We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where they are able to share honestly their thoughts and feelings.
It needs to be appreciated that change cannot necessarily be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the context and complexity of the presenting issues. For children with complex or long-term needs it is unrealistic to expect ELSA intervention to resolve all their difficulties, however support will be designed to target specific aspects of a child’s need. Training and development of ELSAs is an ongoing process and wisdom is required to recognise when issues are beyond the level of expertise that could reasonably be expected of an ELSA. The Educational Psychologist that works with our school would be able to offer advice on suitability or nature of ELSA involvement in complex cases.
What do the Children Think?!
“I like coming to ELSA, it makes me happy!”
“I felt happy because I learnt a lot about our loved ones and how they still are in our heart, no matter what. Elsa (Mrs Lamprou) has really helped me and I hope to come back soon to learn more”.
What do Parents Think?
“ELSA has improved my child’s confidence and self-esteem so much. She has loved her lessons every week. Thank you so much!”
“I would like to say a big thank you for everything you have done with my child in ELSA and all the work you have done with him. My child has thoroughly enjoyed every session of ELSA and his words were “I love going to ELSA” and “I wish I could carry on going”. What a positive thing he will always remember. Thank you!”
“Myself and grandad have seen such an improvement in his behaviour and general well-being. He is happier and takes time now to try and explain how he is feeling instead of acting up. He loves these sessions and school. He has made lots of friends”
My daughter’s confidence has improved a lot, her emotions are a lot better in the way she expresses herself! Big difference with a lot more smiles!
ELSA resources at home
Click on the links below to download the resources
