Here at Caversham Park Primary School, not only do we value your child's education but also their welfare.  At some time in our lives we all experience difficulties and unfortunately children are not immune to the same problems adults encounter.  At the school we recognise the need to support your child through these difficult periods in their lives.

What is an ELSA?

An ELSA is a specialist teaching assistant who has experience and training in supporting children in the development of their emotional literacy. Mrs. Gough and Miss Innes are our ELSAs (Emtional Literacy Support Assistants) who work with teachers and Miss Hagon, out Inclusion Manager, to identify pupils who could benefit from support and to set individual objectives for each child. Our ELSAs then work individually with a pupil or in a small group, using activities targeted to each pupils needs.

What is Emotional Literacy?

• Understanding and coping with the feelings of ourselves and others
• Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others
• Being emotionally literate helps children focus better on their learning

 Some of the Areas an ELSA may work on:

• Recognising emotions
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Friendship skills
• Anger mamangement
• Loss and bereavement
• Anxiety
• Bullying Issues
• Coping strategies

 How does an ELSA work?

• A regular slot during the school week
• In a quiet/private area
• Sessions can be individual or in a small group, tailored to the child’s needs
• Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and   
• crafts and stories

The support is delivered in a caring, supportive and fun way.  Our ELSAs aim to help children find ways to cope with their challenges by helping them build the skills that will help them be able to cope and work through the problems. A child’s progress will be reviewed on a regular basis.

How Parents / Carers can help

By informing the class teacher if there are any issues the may be affecting their child.