There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others.

An ELSA is a specialist teaching assistant with a wealth of experience working with children. ELSAs are trained and regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists in the Local Education Authority. An ELSA is a warm and caring person who wants to help your child feel happy in school and to reach their potential educationally.  We recognise that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed. Through ELSA we aim to remove the barriers to learning and to develop happy children in school and at home.

An ELSA will plan and deliver programmes of support to children who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of our ELSA support 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 might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and craft, stories and time to talk.