Emotional Literacy Support - Sycamore Academy

At Sycamore Academy, we believe children achieve their very best when they feel happy, safe and emotionally secure.

Our professionally trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) provide our pupils with the emotional wellbeing support needed.

What is ELSA?

ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant or ELSA. ELSAs are specially trained members of school staff who work with children to support their emotional wellbeing and social development. They receive specialist training from educational psychologists and ongoing professional supervision to ensure children receive the highest quality support.

The main aim of ELSA is to help children feel happy, safe and ready to learn by supporting their emotional needs.

At Sycamore Academy, our trained ELSAs are:

Mrs S Ollerenshaw
Mr C Kettle

How can ELSA help?

Children experience a wide range of emotions as they grow and develop and sometimes they may need a little extra support. That’s were ELSA can help with:

Anxiety and worries
Low self-esteem or confidence
Friendship or social difficulties
Emotional regulation, including anger and frustration
Bereavement and loss
Family changes, such as separation or divorce
Bullying or conflict
General emotional wellbeing concerns

Support may be provided for children experiencing short-term difficulties or for those who need longer-term emotional support.

What does ELSA support look like?

Every child is unique. ELSA interventions are carefully tailored to meet individual needs.

We have a dedicated ELSA room designed to provide a calm, welcoming and safe space where children can talk, reflect and develop strategies to help them manage challenges both in and outside of school.

Support may include:

One-to-one sessions
Small group activities
Targeted intervention programmes lasting 6–12 weeks

During sessions, children may focus on:

Understanding and manage their emotions
Develop positive coping strategies
Build confidence and resilience
Improve social and communication skills
Strengthen emotional wellbeing

Understanding ELSA

What ELSA is – and isn’t

ELSA:

✔ Provides a safe and trusted space for children to talk

✔ Helps children develop skills and strategies to manage challenges

✔ Works alongside teachers, the SENDCo and families to support pupils

ELSA is not:

✖ A counselling or therapy service

✖ A way to “fix” problems for children

✖ A replacement for specialist services where more complex support is needed

How can parents request support?

If you feel your child may benefit from ELSA support, we encourage you to contact the school and request a call with one of our ELSAs.

Parents can request support by:

Contacting the school office on 0115 915 5804 or email [email protected]
Asking to speak with Mrs Ollerenshaw or Mr Kettle
Discussing any concerns about their child’s emotional wellbeing and support needs

Our ELSAs work closely with families and school staff to identify the most appropriate support for each child.

For more information about ELSA or to discuss whether this support may help your child, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)