Meet Our Dedicated ELSA Team

At Botley School, we deeply value the emotional well-being of every child. Our dedicated team of Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) are the heart of our commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment. They bring a wealth of experience, specialised training, and genuine care to their roles.

Our ELSA Philosophy

Our ELSAs believe in creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where children can freely express their emotions. They understand that every child's journey is unique and approach each situation with empathy and understanding. They are not there to "fix" problems but to empower children with the tools and strategies they need to navigate their emotional landscape.

Our ELSAs work closely with our Educational Psychologists, ensuring their practice is grounded in the latest research and best practices. They also maintain regular communication with our Headteacher, who serves as our Mental Health Lead, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to supporting our pupils' emotional well-being. Furthermore, they are a key part of our early identification and support system, working in collaboration with class teachers, SENCo, and other support staff.

Meet the Individuals:

• Shaeen Yasin:
  • Shaeen has been a cornerstone of our ELSA team for seven years, demonstrating unwavering dedication to our pupils' emotional well-being.
  • Her extensive experience allows her to build strong rapport with children from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of trust and security.
  • Alongside her ELSA qualification, Shaeen also holds the role of Family Liaison Support Worker, strengthening the vital connection between school and home. This dual role allows her to provide holistic support to families, addressing both emotional and practical needs.
  • She has attended many additional courses related to supporting children with emotional needs.
• Kelly Preston:
  • Kelly joined our ELSA team in September 2022, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a passion for supporting children's emotional development.
  • She completed her comprehensive ELSA training with Oxfordshire Educational Psychologists, equipping her with the latest therapeutic techniques and strategies.
  • Kelly has shown a particular interest in using creative methods to engage children, such as therapeutic play and art-based activities.
  • She is particularly skilled at creating a calm and welcoming environment for children.

Our Commitment to Ongoing Development:

Our ELSA team is committed to continuous professional development. They regularly attend workshops, training sessions, and supervision meetings to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices.

We are immensely proud of our ELSA team and the invaluable support they provide to our children and families.