Hello, my name is Justine Best and I am the ELSA at St Christopher's CE primary school. This is where you can access information about our emotional literacy department. 

What an ELSA is....

 A trained member of staff who plans and delivers sessions to support your children to develop their emotional literacy in the following areas:

•  Awareness of own and other people's emotions. 
• Development of social interaction skills. 
• Management of stress, grief, anger and conflict. 
• Maintaining friendships. 
• Promotion of a realistic self-concept and good self-esteem. 
• And many more....

      What do ELSA sessions look like.....

•  ELSA sessions are often 1:1 with pupils who have been referred by the teacher but sometimes run group sessions as well.
• ELSA sessions focus on activities to develop skills in specific areas. 
• The sessions often last for 30 minutes and for around 6-12 sessions. 
• The ELSA will set a specific target for each pupil to focus on. 

       It is intended as a short - term intervention to help develop specific skills or coping strategies. children needing additional support and referred by the class teachers. 

I give the children a safe space to be calm and talk about their emotions and other challenges they may be facing. we do crafts, games, activities and sometimes it might just be a chat with a biscuit. I like to keep ELSA sessions happy, fun and calm. 

    If you feel your child may need ELSA support please contact the class teacher for a referral.