How Does ELSA Support Children at Botley School?

At Botley School, our Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for pupils experiencing a wide range of emotional needs. Identified either by their teachers or their parents, children may need temporary or longer-term support. Our ELSAs are there to help.

Creating a Supportive Relationship

The cornerstone of ELSA support is the establishment of a warm, respectful, and trusting relationship between the ELSA and the pupil. This provides a safe and confidential space where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. ELSAs are not there to simply 'fix' problems; instead, they offer a reflective space, helping children to develop a greater understanding of their emotions.

Tailored Support

ELSA support is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Sessions are designed to be different from regular lessons, offering a change of pace and a focus on emotional well-being. ELSAs work to foster self-awareness, helping children to recognise and understand their own emotions and the emotions of others. They also empower children to develop their own solutions and coping strategies for managing difficult feelings and situations.

Engaging Activities

To make sessions enjoyable and accessible, ELSAs utilise a variety of engaging activities. These may include:

• Therapeutic games
• Creative activities such as drawing and painting
• Storytelling
• Role-play, sometimes using puppets
• Relaxation and mindfulness exercises

Types of Support Offered

ELSAs provide support in various ways, depending on the child's needs:

• Individual Sessions: One-on-one support allows ELSAs to focus on a child's specific concerns and provide personalised strategies.
• Group Sessions: Small group sessions are particularly effective for developing social and friendship skills, teaching children how to communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and resolve conflicts.
• Family Sessions: In some cases, and where appropriate, ELSAs may work with families to provide a consistent approach to supporting the child's emotional needs.

Collaboration and Expertise

Our ELSAs work closely with our Educational Psychologist, who provides guidance on complex cases and ensures that our ELSA provision is of the highest quality. In situations where a child's needs are beyond the scope of ELSA support, the Educational Psychologist can make referrals to external agencies for specialist intervention. Our Headteacher is also our Mental Health Lead.

Resources for Parents

We understand that parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's emotional well-being. We offer a range of resources to help you:

• Self Help: This section provides resources for parents on topics such as self-esteem, feelings & emotions, friendship & relationships, worries & anxiety, and wellbeing & mindfulness.
• Do you have an anxious child?: Follow the link below for some useful guidance on helping your child overcome anxieties: Click Here
• Self esteem: Is your child having problems with self esteem? Try following this link which gives some useful advice to parents: Click Here
• Parental advice on anger management: Help with those 'hot feelings' - some tips and information for parents/guardians about managing anger in children: Click Here

Important Note: Change may not be immediate, especially when dealing with complex or long-standing issues. ELSA support is a process, and patience and consistency are key.