ELSA Information for Parents & Carers

Mr J Ferris

Miss F Illingworth

Mrs S Szydlowski

Who we are and what we do: An ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a member of staff who is trained to support children in the development of their Emotional literacy.  The ELSA’s at St Bartholomew’s are Mr Ferris, Miss Illingworth and Mrs Szydlowski.  Mr Ferris has worked in Primary Education for 5 years, Miss Illingworth for 10 years and Mrs Szydlowski for 22 years.  They all work across the school so know all our children.  For two sessions a week they work in the ELSA room, a room which is a dedicated environment for the children.  All the ELSA sessions are carried out in this room.

What is Emotional literacy?

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

As Parent/Carer/Guardian, how can you help?

  • By information your class teacher if there are any issues that may be affecting your child
  • Please feel free to contact your class teacher or ELSA

Some of the Areas the ELSA might work on:

  • Recognising emotions
  • Self esteem
  • Social skills
  • Friendships
  • Anger management

How does ELSA work?

  • A regular slot once a week for 30 minutes
  • Individual or small group sessions
  • Sessions are fun and might include games, craft and stories
  • The include talk time