Ten school support staff in North East Lincolnshire have met their course classmates for the first time after COVID-19 rules were relaxed.
The 6-day course, which is run by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Educational Psychology team, trains school staff to become Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs).
ELSAs support school students with special interventions to support their wellbeing, help them to focus and overcome challenges at school.
The ten trainees from different schools across our borough had been undertaking the training virtually during the pandemic.
Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, education and skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our Education Psychology team have done a wonderful job facilitating this vital training over the course of the pandemic.
“Whilst the trainee ELSAs have completed the six days of training virtually, they are still undertaking half-termly supervisions, so it’s really good that they finally got to meet face-to-face for their final session.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Education Psychology team for facilitating this training, and wish those who have completed the training well as they go out and work with our young people to make their journey through education an even better experience.”
Dr Louise Jarvis, lead ELSA facilitator and Educational Psychologist at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The purpose of the training is to train and support school staff so they can plan and implement bespoke interventions for learners in their schools, whilst accessing supervision from educational psychologists.
“Not all students breeze through school – some require a little support – so it’s important that staff are trained to provide that.
“The group have been so patient, professional and understanding with us on screen, and we were delighted to meet them in person for our final session. We will continue to meet the group as they start to practice ELSA in their education settings.”
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