What is an ELSA?

An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a specialist teaching assistant with a wealth of experience of working with children. ELSAs are trained and regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists in the Local education authority. An ELSA is a warm and caring person who wants to help your child feel happy in school and to reach their potential educationally.  Their aim is to remove the barriers to learning and to have happy children in school and at home.

ELSAs will help children learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They can provide time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they can manage them.

Who are the ELSAs at Barrow Hedges?

We have an ELSA, Mrs Cloves, along with our lead TA (Inclusion and Family Support), Ms Gardiner, who is a qualified ELSA.  Both work closely together to support children throughout the school who may have difficulties in the following areas:

• Loss and bereavement
• Support through a serious illness
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Emotions
• Friendship issues
• Relationships
• Anger management
• Behaviour
• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Conflict
• Relaxation techniques
• Separation (including divorce)
• Supporting children struggling with the understanding of the pandemic 

Please visit the Inclusion tab to find out more information...