What is an ELSA?

ELSAs are Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. They have been especially trained by educational psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. ELSAs have regular professional supervision and educational psychologists to help them in their work.

ELSAs help children and young people learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They provide the time and space for people to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them.

How does ELSA work?

Most ELSA programs will last for 6 to 12 weeks, helping the child to learn some specific new skills or coping strategies. Clear program aims (SMART targets) need to be set early on and each section has an objective, something the ELSA wants to help the child understand or achieve.

The ELSA is not there to ‘fix’ the child. For pupils with complex or long-term needs, it’s unrealistic to expect ELSA support to resolve all their difficulties. Change is a long-term process that needs everyone’s help.

What can ELSAs help with?

• Social Stories
• Bereavement
• Social Situations
• Therapeutic Stories
• Anger Management
• Self-Esteem
• Real-Life problem-solving skills
• Friendship