Meet the Guardians of Feelings: The ELSA Team!

At Botley School, we know that navigating the big ocean of feelings can sometimes be tricky. That is why we have our very own lighthouses in the storm, our incredible team of Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs). They are the heart of our promise to create a truly nurturing place for every child to grow, not just in knowledge, but in emotional wisdom too.
 

Our ELSA Philosophy

Imagine a secret, cosy den, a place of absolute trust, where whispers of worry can be spoken aloud without fear of judgement. This is the world our ELSAs create. They are not here to simply "fix" problems, but to gift children a magical toolkit of their own. This kit is filled with sparkling strategies and shimmering threads of understanding, empowering each child to become the master of their own emotional landscape.
 

Our ELSAs are like skilled emotional detectives, working closely with our Educational Psychologists to ensure their methods are rooted in the most current and thoughtful practices. They are key members of our school's support system, collaborating with teachers and staff to spot the earliest signs of a wobbly feeling or a troubled heart.
 

Meet Our Marvellous Team

• Shaeen Yasin: For several years, Shaeen has been a guiding star in our ELSA constellation. With a universe of experience, she builds powerful bridges of trust with children from all walks of life, creating a space where they feel truly safe and seen. Shaeen also holds the special role of Family Liaison Support Worker, weaving a golden thread between school and home to provide wonderfully holistic support that wraps around the entire family. Her unwavering dedication is a cornerstone of our team.
   

• Gemma Reece: Returning to our ELSA team with a heart full of fresh enthusiasm, Gemma brings a sprinkle of stardust and a passion for supporting children in fun and wonderfully imaginative ways. Trained by Oxfordshire's top Educational Psychologists, she is equipped with the very latest therapeutic spells and strategies, which she skilfully adapts to fit the unique spirit of every child. Gemma has a special gift for using creative magic to engage children, transforming the ELSA room into a calm and welcoming haven where feelings can be explored and understood.

A Commitment to Growth

Our ELSA team is on a never-ending quest for knowledge and skill. They regularly venture forth to attend enchanted workshops, training sessions, and supervision meetings, always seeking new ways to enhance their powers and stay at the forefront of emotional support.
 

We are incredibly proud of our ELSA team and the immeasurable treasure they bring to our children and their families. They are the quiet heroes of our school, the guardians of feelings, and the champions of happy hearts.