ELSA Therapy

My name is Mrs Alison Difford and I am the school ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). An ELSA is trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy and I have had the privilege of carrying out this role at North Road Community Primary School since July 2016.

Emotional literacy is the skill of understanding and coping with feelings about ourselves and others. It aids in developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others, which in turn, helps children focus better on their learning. A positive mental health results in happy, confident and resilient children.

Some of the areas I support children with include:

  • Recognising and being able to name emotions
  • self-esteem
  • social skills
  • friendship issues
  • anger management
  • loss and bereavement
  • anxiety and worries

The sessions are either individual or in small groups, depending on the child’s needs. Sessions are tailored to the child and may include workbooks, puppets, board games or art and craft activities.  Sessions always include lots of time to talk.

Mental Well-Being is a central part of our school ethos.  Therefore, I am very proud to be able to support the children in this way.  I am very pleased to have received lots of positive feedback from parents and children.  Teachers also report that the impact of the sessions can be seen in the classroom and make a difference to both the child’s mental well-being and academic progress.

Feedback from Parents

The sessions have given her more confidence

I feel the sessions have helped with her separation anxiety

My child has really benefitted from the ELSA sessions and I’m so glad she was able to have them

My child has learnt new communication skills and that it is ok to talk about her feelings and emotions, which will be a great skill for when she is older

My child has benefitted from the sessions, especially with regards to feeling empathy and how her words might impact on others

It has been good for him to have someone outside the family he feels confident to talk to

The ELSA group sessions have been very effective

It has boosted her confidence so much. She really looked forward to the sessions each week

She is feeling a lot better about herself now

I have noticed a big difference in my child. She is happier and more confident.  Family members have also noticed how much happier she is