.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "ELSA 3(1)")
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Emotional Literacy Support ASSISTANT-elsa
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 through the school ELSA programme. 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 opportunities for children to 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.
Our whole school approach 'The Zones of Regulation' also help all our children at St.Finian's to understand their feelings and to draw upon useful strategies to support themselves (self regulation).
Emotional Literacy Newsletter
Mrs Heaver - ELSA
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 individual children on their own or in small groups to develop the emotional literacy skills. Sessions are tailored to the children’s needs and usually held weekly. Sessions may also be whole class based. Examples include recognising and managing different emotions and forming relationships.
ELSA sessions also help children to develop social skills, build self confidence and self-esteem. This helps them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.
The ELSA will also support parents in developing their children's emotional literacy.
Parents will receive regular newsletters and be invited to termly coffee mornings (usuallly held at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays).
We aim to support a wide range of
emotional needs:
Recognising emotions Self-esteem
Anger Management Social Skills
Loss and Bereavement Friendship Skills
One to one or group ELSA sessions, take place in either of our special nurture spaces; 'The Bubble Room' or 'The Nest'.
Both rooms have 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 you can support your child at home:
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.