At Hendrefoilan, we are very excited to share our ELSA programme.

What is ELSA?

ELSAs are emotional literacy support assistants. They are teaching assistants who have had special training from educational psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. ELSAs have regular professional supervision from educational psychologists to help them in their work.

Who can ELSA’s help?

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

How does ELSA work?

Most ELSA programmes will last for 6 to 12 weeks, helping the pupil to learn some specific new skills or coping strategies. Clear programme aims (SMART targets) need to be set early on and each session
has an objective – something the ELSA wants to help the pupil understand or achieve.
The ELSA isn’t there to ‘fix’ the child. For pupils with complex or long-term needs, it’s unrealistic to expect ELSA support to resolve all their difficulties. Change is a long-term process that needs everyone’s help.

How do I access ELSA support for my child?

The ELSA support service, works on a needs assessment, where the children’s needs are prioritised and a decision making group within the school meet to identify those children needing support and prioritising them accordingly. The referral process itself can take up to 8 weeks before you would get a decision as to whether your child can access ELSA and when the programme will begin.

If you child has a specific need which you feel would benefit from specialised ELSA support, then please contact Mrs. Davies who will explain what happens next.