What is ELSA?

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a school‑based intervention designed to help children develop their emotional wellbeing, resilience, and social skills. Delivered by a trained member of school staff, ELSA sessions provide children with a safe space to explore feelings, learn strategies to manage emotions, build self‑esteem, and develop positive relationships, supporting them to engage more confidently with learning and school life.

ELSA Relationship

ELSAs are warm, caring and supportive adults who help children and young people feel happy, safe and confident in school. They understand that emotional and social difficulties can sometimes create barriers to learning and work alongside children to support their emotional wellbeing, social development and readiness to learn.

Through building trusting relationships, ELSAs provide a safe and reflective space where children and young people can explore their feelings, develop strategies to manage challenges, and build resilience. An ELSA does not aim to ‘fix’ problems but supports children and young people to find their own solutions, empowering them to grow emotionally and reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

What areas does an ELSA help with?

• Loss and bereavement
• Emotional Literacy
• Self-esteem
• Social Skills
• Friendship issues
• Relationships
• Managing strong feelings
• Anxiety and worries
• Bullying
• Conflict
• Emotional Regulation
• Growth Mindset
• Social and therapeutic stories
• Problem solving

How are children or young people referred for ELSA?

• Class teacher referral
• Sendco referral
• Parent referral through their school
• Child referral through their school
• Outside agency referral

How long should an ELSA Intervention last?

ELSA intervention should be a short term focus intervention with clear aims. Usually half a term to a full term in length.

ELSA interventions

ELSA sessions are carefully planned to support your child in a positive and meaningful way. Each child has clear goals so we can see how they are progressing and make sure the support is helping. These goals are known as SMART targets, which means they are clear, achievable and reviewed over a set period of time. This helps the school to understand how your child is developing emotionally and ensures the support provided is effective.