What is ELSA Intervention?

An ELSA is a trained specialist who works with children and young people to help them develop their emotional literacy.

We have two ELSAs at our school, they are Mrs Annable and Mrs Redfern. Our ELSAs are warm, kind, and caring individuals who understand the barriers to learning that some children may experience and can provide the necessary support to help them reach their full potential, both socially and academically.

The ELSA intervention is a short-term, focused programme that aims to address specific emotional or social needs. Our ELSAs works closely with the Educational Psychologist who trained them, ensuring that all support is evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of each child.

Areas of Support

Our ELSA is trained to provide support in a wide range of areas, including:

• Loss and bereavement
• Emotional literacy
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship issues
• Relationships
• Managing strong feelings
• Anxiety and worries
• Bullying
• Conflict
• Emotional regulation
• Growth mindset

Referral and Intervention Process

Children can be referred for ELSA support by their class teacher, the SENDCO, parents, or through outside agencies. Once a referral is made, our ELSA will work closely with the child to set specific, measurable, and achievable goals, which are reviewed regularly to ensure progress.

The ELSA intervention typically lasts for half a term to a full term, with the ELSA providing a series of one-to-one or small group sessions. These sessions follow a structured format, including a warm-up, the main activity, and a relaxation exercise, all designed to help the child develop the necessary skills and strategies to cope with their challenges.

Aligning with Our Vision and Values

At Denby Free CE (Aided) Primary School, we believe in inspiring, nurturing, and educating our children to shine within our happy, caring school community. Our ELSA support is a testament to this commitment, as it helps our pupils develop the emotional literacy and resilience they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

By providing this specialised support, we are empowering our children to overcome any barriers to their learning, allowing them to reach their full potential and become confident, independent individuals who can make a positive contribution to our school and the wider community.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our ELSA support, please don't hesitate to contact the school office or speak with your child's class teacher.