.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "ELSA 3(1)")
.png?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "ELSA 2(1)")
.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "ELSA 1(1)")
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support ASSISTANT
Welcome to St Finian's School ELSA page.
My name is Mrs Heaver and I am St Finian's School ELSA.
What is an ELSA?
An ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) in a primary school is a trained staff member who works with children to support their emotional wellbeing. Developed by educational psychologists, the ELSA programme helps pupils understand and manage their feelings, build resilience, improve self-esteem, and develop social skills. Through one-to-one or small group sessions, ELSAs offer a safe, nurturing space where children can explore challenges such as anxiety, friendship issues, loss, or emotional regulation—empowering them to thrive both personally and academically.
What is Emotional Literacy?
Understanding and coping with our own feelings and working to understand the feelings of others.
Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others.
Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning.
Emotional Literacy Newsletter
Mrs Heaver - ELSW
How does an ELSA work?
Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, senior leaders or SENCo.
The ELSA will work with children individually or in small groups to develop the skills of emotional literacy. Sessions are tailored to the children’s needs and held weekly.
Examples include recognising and managing different emotions and forming relationships. ELSA sessions also help children to develop social skills and build self-confidence. This helps them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.
The ELSA will support parents in developing their children's emotional literacy.
Parents will receive regular newsletters and be invited to regular coffee mornings run by the ELSA.
We aim to support a wide range of emotional needs:
Recognising emotions Self-esteem
Anger Management Social Skills
Loss and Bereavement Friendship Skills
.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "ELSA room(2)")
ELSA sessions, take place in either of our special nurture spaces; 'The Bubble Room' or 'The Nest'.
Each room has been specifically designed and resourced to ensure that every child feels listened to, calm and supported.
Parent Self Help Section
Below you will find helpful advice and ideas on how parents and carers can support their child at home including:
- Recommended books
- Useful websites
- Emotional Health Academy - other support
Self Esteem
Is your child having problems with self-esteem? Follow this link for ideas and support.
Anxiety
Follow the link below for some useful guidance on helping your child overcome anxieties:
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/stress-better/2016/03/49-phrases-to-calm-an-anxious-child/
Recommended self-help anxiety book:
What to do When You Worry Too Much
An interactive self-help book designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioural techniques most often used in the treatment of generalised anxiety. Engaging, encouraging and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates and empowers children to work towards change.