ELSA

ELSA information for Parents & Carers

Who are we and what do we do?

An ELSA (Emotional Literacy SupportAssistant) is a member of staff who is trained to support children in the development of their emotional
literacy.Our Emotional Learning SupportAssistant atAcorns Primary school is Donna Carey. Donna is based in the ELSA room, which is a quiet and
safe space for the children to talk and feel secure.All of the ELSA sessions are carried out in this room.

What is emotional literacy?

Understanding and coping with the feelings about ourselves and others
Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others
Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning.

Some of the areas the ELSA may work on:

Recognising emotions
Self-esteem
Social Skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement

How does the ELSA work?

*A regular slot during the school week for 30-45 minutes
*Sessions can be individual or in small groups and tailored to the child’s individual
needs.
*Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and craft and
stories.
*They include time to talk. A pupil’s progress will be reviewed on a half-termly basis.

As a parent/carer, how can you help?

By informing the class teacher if there are any issues that may be affecting
your child.

Please feel welcome to contact your child’s teacher or the ELSA Lead if you have any questions.
dcarey@acorns.lancs.sch.uk