At Seaton House School we have 3 qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants: Mrs L Smith, Mrs Hill and Mrs Newton. They have all been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing short or longer term additional emotional needs. Training and development of ELSAs is an ongoing process and they receive regular supervision.

We aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs, including:

• Recognising and managing emotions
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship skills
• Resilience and confidence
• Loss and bereavement

What Is ELSA

We all benefit from some additional emotional support at some point and there will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges. Some will require a greater level of support to increase their emotional literacy. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by Educational Psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also met. Our aim is to support all pupils to develop resilience and strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing. We also provide sessions for pupils needing additional support.

How Does ELSA Work

Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, Senior Leaders, SENDCo or by parent’s request. Children can also refer themselves for some support by using our ELSA communication box or speaking to a member of staff.

The pastoral team meet regularly to discuss the support in place and identify children who would benefit from some additional support. The ELSA staff then plan support sessions to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies that allow them to manage their social and emotional needs more effectively.

We aim to establish a warm and respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where they are able to share honestly their thoughts and feelings. It needs to be appreciated that change cannot necessarily be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the context and complexity of the presenting issues.

We also offer drop in sessions at lunchtimes so any pupils can go and talk to an adult if they have any worries or would like to talk through a problem.

Parents can refer a child for ELSA support using our ELSA email: elsa@seatonhouse.sutton.sch.uk