ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a trained, school based learning support assistant. Their role is to support the emotional wellbeing of  pupils. They are trained by a team of educational psychologists and receive ongoing group supervision. 

Mrs Byrom and Mrs Bryan are our very warm and caring ELSAs here at CCJ, who provide a high level of care and support for our pupils' wellbeing and mental health.  Their aim is to remove any barriers to their learning or wellbeing and to have happy, healthy pupils in school and at home.  

ELSAs work with children and young people either individually or in small groups and deliver bespoke interventions tailored to the presenting situation or need.  The role of the ELSA is to develop children and young people's:

• emotional literacy
• positive mental health
• social skills 
• emotional wellbeing

ELSA support can be requested by parent/carers if a child is going through a particular difficult time in their life, or if they have concerns about their child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing. An ELSA will help children learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They can provide time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they can manage them.

Some of the areas the ELSA may work on:

• Loss and bereavement
• Parent separation
• Support through a serious illness
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Emotions
• Friendship issues
• Anger management
• Behaviour
• Anxiety
• Conflict

If you would like further advice or wish to talk to an ELSA at CCJ, then please feel free to contact Mrs Groves (SENDCO) via email:  Sadie.groves@sgmail.org.uk or telephone  01454 866516.

Click on the PDF link below to download the parent leaflet:

ELSA leaflet for Parents/Carers at CCJ