Emotional literacy support assistants are known as ELSA’s.

An ELSA is a member of staff trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term emotional difficulties.

It has been recognised that children learn better and are happier  in school if their emotional needs are met.

Mrs Munoz and Mrs Felicien are both fully trained to be ELSA at St Luke's C.E. Primary School. Children are usually referred for ELSA support by classteachers who refer the children to Mr Bates (SENCo), who will identify and prioritise which children require a programme of support. Mrs Munoz / Mrs Felicien will then plan support sessions to help facilitate the pupil to develop new skills and coping strategies. This will enable them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.

We aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs including low self esteem, loss and bereavement, social skills, anger management and friendship skills.

Sessions will last from 30-40 minutes once a week and will usually occur on an individual basis, however sometimes small group work will be more appropriate especially in the area of friendship and social skills.

Sessions involve games, role play, arts and crafts and take place in a room which provides a calm safe place for children to feel supported and nurtured.

Please remember that change cannot be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the complexity and context of the presenting issue. We will however aim to provide an environment where pupils feel able to honestly express their thoughts and feelings.