At Ysgol Maes-y-Llan we have an ELSA trained teaching assistant. ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional or social needs. ELSA acknowledges that children and young people learn best when they feel happier and their emotional needs are being addressed.
The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun and use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft. ELSA sessions take place in our very own ‘ELSA room’ which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured. Sessions will typically happen once a week across the length of a term and last between half an hour and an hour.
What can ELSAs help with?
There are a lot of emotional skills that ELSA can help with, including:
- Social Skills
- Bereavement
- Social Situations
- Therapeutic Stories
- Anger Management
- Self-esteem
- Real-life problem-solving skills
- Friendship
