Digby the Tedder Primary School

ELSA provision

At Digby Tedder Primary School we have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Mrs Murray.   Mrs Murray works in school every day and is a familiar adult for all of our children.  She has undertaken training and accreditation, delivered by Educational Psychologists, to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. 

What is ELSA?

ELSA serves to provide emotional support to children who are struggling with life’s challenges and this could be for a variety of reasons.  Some children may have experienced trauma or bereavement and some maybe struggling with anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, social skills and friendship skills for example.  This can at times create a barrier, which reduces how well children can function in school. In turn this might impact friendships or learning.

The ELSA’s role is to support children and young people in school to understand and regulate their own emotions whilst respecting the feelings of those around them.  The sessions take place weekly over a 6 – 8-week period and are held in the library’s pastoral corner.

How does ELSA work?

Children can be selected for ELSA through referral from staff or parents. If staff feel that children will benefit, discussion will always take place with parents and permission and agreement will be obtained.  If parents are worried and feel that ELSA would be beneficial for their child, they are welcome to discuss this with class teachers. 

Once a child has been referred, and information gathered, the ELSA and Head teacher will prioritise the sessions. Sessions take place on a weekly basis with interventions lasting for a 6- 8 week period.  They will begin with a getting to know you session and will build on established priorities agreed by the child and Mrs Murray.  After the intervention, the ELSA may complete short 5- 10 minute ‘check in’ sessions to continue the relationship that was built, recap on strategies that they have been given, allow the child to share what has been working well and they may want to mention any difficulties they may be having.