How do Barrow Hedges Primary School provide ELSA support?

At Barrow Hedges Primary School, we have two trained ELSAs who work from a timetable that is devised in consultation with the Inclusion Leader.

Assessment for ELSA Support

• Staff are consulted and asked to refer children they think need intervention or parents can contact the ELSA to discuss their child.
• There will always be a meeting with key members of staff; this may include the Inclusion Leader, ELSAs and Class Teacher.
• Children are chosen for support and provision discussed.
• Pastoral provision plan is then filled in.

When, Where, How?

• Dedicated area of the school for the intervention to take place.  This usually takes place in The Den.
• One to one work –Weekly sessions of around 40 minutes
• Chameleon Club– One lunchtime each week for one term
• Busy Bees group sessions– 30 minute session each week as a group. Mainly focusing on social and friendship skills.
• Programmes are usually based on a 6-8 week plan.

Type of Content Covered in Sessions

• Circle time activities
• Creative/imaginative play
• Puppet/drama therapy
• Art
• Drawing and talking
• Team building games

All sessions are designed to be informal and relaxed. Building a positive relationship between the child and the ELSA will enable them to work together in order to support the child’s emotional and social wellbeing.

Post reviews and continued support

• Teachers fill in an assessment form before and after. They will meet to discuss the child’s progress (in and out of class) at the end of the program.
• Your childs progress is carefully and confidentially recorded.
• All work is kept. Children will have their own folder to bring home at the end of their sessions.
• Children will have a chance to review their progress at the end of their program.
• As a parent/carer, the ELSA can work with you to discuss plans for continuing the support whilst at home.
• Even when interventions have finished, the ELSA and Class Teacher will still monitor your child’s progress and may offer support again if it is thought necessary.

Chameleon Club

At Barrow Hedges we also offer Chameleon Club at lunch times. Children are invited via referral from class teachers or through an ELSA’s own observations.

Sessions usually run for 6 weeks and are voluntary. They are intended to create a calm space for children who may find it difficult at playtimes to socialise or maintain friendships. We carry out a variety of group discussions, games, creative play and most of all have fun, whilst learning new social and communication skills.

If you would like further advice or wish to talk to an ELSA at Barrow Hedges then please feel free to contact them via the school office.