What is ELSA?

What is ELSA?

ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant and Mrs Day is the ELSA at Reigate Parish.

By working with children 1:1 or in small groups, ELSAs aim to help children recognise, understand and manage their emotions.

The initial target could be any of the following:

Self-esteem
Recognising and managing feelings
Understanding and managing anger
Friendship skills
Social skills
Supporting children through loss and bereavement

Sessions are usually 20 minutes and, depending on need (and timetabling pressures) take place once or twice a week. They are child-led in terms of focus and there is an understanding that the work discussed between the ELSA and the child is only shared with others if the child wishes (or if there are any safeguarding issues that need to be addressed).

Benefits to pupils

Pupils feel supported by having “special time” and being listened to
Pupils develop greater self-awareness
Pupils learn to talk about difficulties
Pupils develop coping strategies
Pupils interact more successfully with others
Pupils feel better about themselves
Pupils manage better in school

The access point to this service is through the SENDCO, Mrs Eldred.