At Archbishop Cranmer CE Primary Academy, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of our pupils. As part of this, we offer Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA), delivered by trained members of staff.

Our ELSA Team

• Miss Wilkinson (Key Stage 2)
• Mrs Chilton (Key Stage 1)

Our ELSAs are trained by educational psychologists to support children with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs.

What is ELSA?

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is an approach designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, develop positive relationships and build resilience.

Sessions are carefully planned to meet individual needs and usually take place in a calm, supportive environment within school.

How ELSA Supports Pupils

ELSA sessions may support children with:

• recognising and understanding emotions
• building self-esteem and confidence
• developing social and friendship skills
• managing anger and behaviour
• coping with change and transition
• dealing with loss or bereavement

Support may be delivered on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, depending on the needs of the child.

How Support is Provided

Children are identified for ELSA support through discussion between staff and the SENCo. Programmes are time-limited and focused on developing strategies that children can use in everyday situations.

For some pupils, additional or specialist support from external services may be appropriate.

Working with Families

We work closely with parents and carers when children are receiving ELSA support. If you have concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance.

Further Information

For more information about how we support wellbeing, please visit our Mental Health and Wellbeing page.