ELSA

At OLI, we believe that every child deserves to thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. That is why we are proud to have a dedicated team of ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) who support the children's wellbeing.

Our ELSAs are more than just teaching assistants; they are specially trained professionals with a wealth of experience working with children and young people. They undergo rigorous training supervised by Educational Psychologists, equipping them with the skills to understand children's emotional needs and the challenges they might face.

But most importantly, our ELSAs are warm, kind, and caring individuals who are passionate about helping children feel happy, safe, and nurtured within our school environment. They don't just "fix" problems; they empower children to develop their emotional literacy, build resilience, and find their own solutions.

Through one-on-one sessions, ELSAs create a safe space for children to explore their emotions, build coping mechanisms for life's challenges, and reach their full potential in all aspects of school life.

What areas does an ELSA help with?

• Emotional Literacy
• Self-esteem
• Social Skills
• Friendship conflict
• Relationships
• Managing strong feelings
• Anxiety and worries
• Bullying
• Emotional Regulation
• Growth Mindset
• Social and therapeutic stories
• Problem-solving

How are children or young people referred for ELSA?

• Class teacher referral
• SENDco referral
• Parent referral
• Outside agency referral