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What is an ELSA?
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 addressed. After a thematic analysis of the programme the following themes were identified: Feelings and Emotions, Engagement, Resilience, Hopes and Aspirations, and Relationships.
Who are the ELSAs at Stonham?
We are fortunate to have two ELSAs at Stonham;
Mrs Mills and Mrs Hart
They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. Our ELSAs are warm and caring, they want to help our children feel happy in school and reach their full potential educationally. Their aim is to remove the barriers to learning and to have happy children, both at school and at home.
Why ELSA?
There will always be children in schools facing life challenges, no more so than now, that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others.
Through the work of our ELSAs at Stonham Aspal, we aim to provide support for the wide range of emotional needs for our children including:
- Recognising and understanding emotions
- Self-esteem
- Friendship skills
- Anger management
- Loss and bereavement
- Social skills
- Relaxation techniques
- Transition/change
Where does ELSA happen?
ELSA sessions take place in our ELSA room, which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured. The aim of the ELSAs in school is to help the children at Stonham Aspal understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. Our ELSAs provide the time and space for our pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them.
What happens during an ELSA session?
The majority of work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in areas of social and friendships skills. Sessions are fun, a wide range of activities are used such as: games, role-play with puppets/ small world objects, or arts and craft.
How does ELSA work?
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher and occasionally by our school SENCO. Together with the class teacher, our ELSAs will identify the target areas. With the programme aims in mind, support sessions are planned to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies which allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.
Most ELSA programmes last for 6 to 12 weeks, helping the child to learn some new specific skills or coping strategies, but most of all it is a chance for them to talk and a chance for us to listen. Each session lasts for 30-45 minutes once a week.
How do we know if ELSA has had an impact?
The ELSA is able to monitor this by speaking with staff and parents and carers. Our ELSAs aren't there to ‘fix’ the child, and for some of our pupils with complex or long-term needs, it is unrealistic to expect ELSA support to resolve all of their difficulties. However, by building a positive relationship with the children, our ELSAs can help them think about their behaviours, worries and anxieties, and give them the time and space to reflect on these and share honestly their thoughts and feelings. By doing this, children who benefit from our ELSA support can make huge strides in their progress, confidence, belief, and become positive learners who are better placed to achieve their potential.
What do our children think?
On completion of their ELSA programmes, we ask the children to reflect on their experiences and to kindly leave us some feedback. Here are some of the lovely comments we receive:
“It's fun, and I’ve been able to do lots of art. ELSA has helped me with my anxiety and to know that everybody has all types of feelings.”
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You may find the following books a useful resource to read or listen to with your child. Clicking the book will take you to a youtube version of the stories.
The Huge bag of worries, is a fabulous book for addressing worries or anxieties with a child.
Only One You is a little book that is fantastic for self-esteem
The Colour Monster is a book exploring emotions.
You may find some resources here on the ELSA website
The following link has practical tips and advice from child mental health experts to support children's wellbeing and behaviour.
We have also received the following comments from parents after their child has been supported by our ELSAs.
ELSA is amazing; please continue interventions like this!
The ELSA sessions are wonderful and Mrs Mills and Mrs Hart are an absolute asset to the school. I will be forever greatful to them for helping my child through some difficult times.