What is ELSA?

ELSA is a programme developed by educational psychologists to support children with their emotional needs. ELSAs are specially trained members of staff who work with children on a 1:1 or small-group basis, helping them develop important emotional and social skills. Our ELSA is Miss Doubleday.

What does ELSA support?

ELSA sessions are tailored to each child’s needs and may focus on:

• Understanding and managing emotions
• Building self-esteem
• Developing friendships and social skills
• Coping with anxiety, grief, or change
• Improving emotional regulation
• Building resilience and confidence

How does it work?

Children are usually referred to ELSA through class teachers. Parents can also express concerns and suggest a referral if they feel their child would benefit from emotional support.  Sessions take place in a calm, safe space where children can talk, play, and explore their feelings through a range of activities and resources. The aim is to empower children to understand themselves better and find strategies that help them cope with everyday challenges.

Please contact Mrs Garcia (SENDCO) or your child’s class teacher via the school office for more information.

We’re excited to share that our school is beginning the journey towards achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools(WAS). This nationally recognised award focuses on promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing across the whole school community. Developed in partnership with the National Children's Bureau, the award helps schools embed a culture where wellbeing is a priority for pupils, staff, and families alike.

By working towards this award, we aim to ensure that mental health and wellbeing are fully supported and celebrated throughout our school. We believe that creating a nurturing, positive environment is key to helping every child thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

In order to achieve this award, the school will need to demonstrate evidence for eight objectives:

1. The school is committed to promoting and protecting emotional wellbeing and mental health by achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools.
2. The school has a clear vision and strategy for promoting and protecting emotional wellbeing and mental health, which is communicated to all involved with the school.
3. The school has a positive culture which regards emotional wellbeing and mental health as the responsibility of all.
4. The school actively promotes staff emotional wellbeing and mental health.
5. The school prioritises professional learning and staff development on emotional wellbeing and mental health.
6. The school understands the different types of emotional and mental health needs across the school and has systems in place to respond appropriately.
7. The school actively seeks the ongoing participation of the whole-school community in its approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health.
8. The school works in partnerships with other schools, agencies and available specialist services to support emotional wellbeing and mental health.

If your child is experiencing challenges, the following services offer confidential advice and support:

• Childline – Free, confidential support for children and young people.
   0800 1111
  www.childline.org.uk
• YoungMinds – Young People – Advice and support for children and teenagers.
   youngminds.org.uk/young-person
• Kooth – Free, safe online support and counselling for young people aged 10+.
  www.kooth.com
• Mindworks Surrey – Emotional well-being and mental health service for children and young people in Surrey.
  www.mindworks-surrey.org
• CYP Haven – Safe space for children and young people aged 10 to 18 to talk about their mental health.
   01483 519436
   www.cyphaven.net

Online activities:

Mindfulness Activites for Children - These simple, short activities are designed to help you relax, physically and emotionally.  We encourage you to do them regularly, with the support of a grown up initially, and then when confident you can do your favourites independently.  Click here to access the mindfulness calendar daily 5 minute activities.

 Toolkit  - This toolkit contains resources and tips for parents and carers, to help address any anxiety, arising from coronavirus and lockdown, and to support children's mental health and wellbeing.  Click here to access this toolkit.

Calm Zone for Children - There are lots of ways to feel calmer.  It's all about what works for you.  Try some of these breathing exercises, yoga videos, games and activities to help you let go of stress. Click here to access the Calm Zone. 

Coping Kit for Children - When you are feeling sad or overwhelmed it can be hard to know how to cope. But distracting yourself or doing something positive can really help.  Even doing one positive thing every day can help to improve your mood.  Not sure what you want to do today? Perhaps some physical avtivity... something arty or musical...connecting with friends or family... learning something new... using your senses to feel calmer... Use this tool to help you choose.  Just click here.

We understand that parenting can be challenging, and support is available for you too:

• YoungMinds – Parent Helpline – Support for parents worried about their child's mental health.
   0808 802 5544 (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4pm)
   youngminds.org.uk/parent

• Family Lives – Support with family challenges, behaviour, and emotional well-being.
   0808 800 2222
   www.familylives.org.uk
• Mindworks Surrey – Information and resources for parents and carers in Surrey.
   www.mindworks-surrey.org
• Surrey County Council – Support for Parents and Carers – Resources and advice for families in Surrey.
   www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/support-and-advice/young-people-and-their-families
• SEND Advice Surrey – Information, advice, and support for parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
   www.sendadvicesurrey.org.uk