ELSA Support  (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

The ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) intervention supports the emotional needs of pupils.  At Kibworth CE Primary School, we have one fully trained ELSA, Mrs Rowland, and Mrs Darlison who is currently undergoing her training.  ELSA intervention recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists, who apply their professional knowledge of children’s social and emotional development to areas of need experienced by pupils. They provide on-going professional supervision to help maintain high quality in the work undertaken by ELSAs, thereby helping to ensure safe practice for ELSAs and pupils alike.

ELSAs are trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills.

Our ELSAs receive clinical supervision from the EPIC Educational Psychology service and are also line managed by Mrs Marks.  The team meet regularly to identify and prioritise pupils who would benefit from support. Consultation with class teachers and Miss Butwell, SENDCo also informs decision making.

Parents and carers are also able to request ELSA support by making an appointment with Mrs Marks to discuss their child’s needs. If it is felt that ELSA intervention could be provided, a referral will be made and as soon as a space becomes available, they will receive support.