Barnett Wood Infant School
Emotional Literacy Support
What is ELSA? 
ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by
educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional
needs are also addressed.
We are lucky enough to have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant at our school. 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 needs. 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, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or arts and craft. ELSA sessions take place in our Honeypot, a dedicated area which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
Recognising emotion
Self-esteem
Social skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement
ELSA Support