Emotional Literacy Support Assistants
Information about Emotional Literacy Support Assistant intervention and list of registered schools.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a trained, school based learning support assistant. Their role is to support the emotional wellbeing of pupils. They are trained by a team of Educational Psychologists and receive ongoing group supervision.
Who ELSAs work with
ELSAs work with children and young people either individually or in small groups and deliver bespoke interventions tailored to the presenting situation or need. The role of the ELSA is to develop children and young people’s:
- emotional literacy
- positive mental health
- social skills
- emotional wellbeing
The role of an ELSA can vary dependent on age, school stage and situation.
ELSA training
All ELSAs have 6 days of initial training covering:
- emotional literacy including building resilience and self-esteem
- managing emotions including anger and anxiety
- social and friendship skills
- loss, bereavement and family break up
As well as skills development in:
- social and therapeutic stories
- motivational interviewing
- active listening, conversation skills
ELSAs attend ongoing group supervision (6 times a year,) to safeguard practice and continually develop their skills.
Schools with an ELSA
These schools in North East Lincolnshire have an ELSA:
- Cambridge Park Academy
- East Ravendale Primary Academy
- Elliston Primary Academy
- Fairfield Academy
- Grange Primary School
- Healing Academy
- Humberston Academy
- Humberston Church of England Primary
- Humberston Cloverfields Academy
- Humberston Park School
- Lisle Marsden Church of England Primary Academy
- Old Clee Primary Academy
- Pilgrim Academy
- Reynolds Academy
- Scartho Infants’ School and Nursery
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Grimsby
- Stallingborough Church of England Primary Academy
- Stanford Junior and Infant School
- Tetney Primary School
- Thrunscoe Primary and Nursery Academy
- Western Primary School
Evidence base
There is an increasing evidence base for the effectiveness of ELSA with outcomes relating to:
- staff and student self-efficacy beliefs
- emotional literacy development
- emotional wellbeing
- academic progress
- parental engagement
Further information
Further information about ELSA including details of research can be found on the ELSA network website .
For more information or to express an interest in having an ELSA at your school email us at [email protected].
Contact details
Community Educational Psychology Service, New Oxford House, 2 George Street, Grimsby
Email: [email protected]
Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, except bank holidays