ELSA

An ELSA in a school is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists, who apply their professional knowledge of children’s social and emotional development to areas of need experienced by pupils. ELSA is designed to increase the emotional intelligence, emotional literacy skills and enhancing emotional well-being in children and young people on a one-to-one basis. There are two trained ELSAs in Wat’s Dyke and they work closely with class teachers and teaching assistants to develop a tailored programme to meet the needs of individual pupils. 

In ELSA pupils are supported for a wide range of emotional needs: 

*Recognising and identifying emotions
*Self-esteem
*Social skills
*Friendship skills

*Active Listening

*Communication

*Anger management
*Loss and bereavement