Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

An Introduction to ELSA

We are very excited to tell you about an addition to our offer for the children at Norbury.  Elaine Wheat has recently been attending some additional training to allow her to qualify as an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). 

Elaine will be working with children, either 1:1 or in small groups, to help them with social and emotional aspects of learning such as confidence, problem solving, dealing with emotions, building self-esteem or resilience…the list goes on!  Children might also be involved in groups so that they can model some of their skills for other children.  Sessions are bespoke to meet the needs of our children and most often last for about six weeks, with one or two sessions per week.  Teachers might ask Elaine to work with some children in their class, and you can also speak to your child’s class teacher if you feel worried about anything and would like them to have some support.  In most cases, your child’s class teacher will have a chat with you if they have identified that they would like your child to be part of an ELSA group or activity.  Your child/ren will experience this as a normal part of their school day, as they would any other group work with a teacher.  Sessions are fun and will use a range of activities such as: games, role-play, art and craft or outdoor activities.

At Norbury, we know that if young people’s social and emotional needs are met, they are happier and engage fully in both the educational opportunities offered in school and their wider life experiences. We are really excited to have this offer in school to help our children to be the happiest and best they can be and look forward to growing our provision further over time.