Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs)

Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) are specially trained members of staff who work with children to help them understand and manage their emotions. They have a wealth of experience supporting pupils in school and focus on developing children’s emotional wellbeing so they can face life’s challenges with confidence.

The aim of ELSA support is to help children recognise their feelings, understand the reasons behind them, and develop practical strategies to manage situations that may feel difficult. Rather than providing quick fixes, ELSAs guide children to find their own solutions and build emotional resilience over time.

Most sessions take place on a one-to-one basis, although small group work can also be helpful—particularly when developing friendship or social skills.

Sessions are fun, engaging, and interactive, using activities such as games, role play, mindfulness, storytelling, and arts and crafts. They take place in a calm, safe, and nurturing space where children feel comfortable to talk, share, and learn.

Typically, children will attend sessions once a week for half a term, with each session lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Every programme is tailored to the individual, focusing on specific goals that support the child’s personal development and wellbeing.

Impact

ELSAs make a real difference by helping children develop confidence, self-awareness, and emotional understanding. For some children, change takes time and may require continued support from both home and school, but each step helps build valuable life skills for the future.

ELSAs can offer support with a wide range of areas, including:

· Understanding and managing emotions

· Building social and friendship skills

· Developing self-esteem and confidence

· Managing anger or anxiety

· Coping with loss or bereavement

· Handling social situations and conflicts

· Improving behaviour and problem-solving skills

· Exploring feelings through therapeutic stories