ELSA

Emotional well-being is extremely important to us at St Mary’s.  We deliver weekly PSHE/RSE lessons for all children and here at St Mary’s we have two ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants).  They are special teaching assistants with a wealth of experience working with children.  Our ELSAs are trained and regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists and work closely with City of York Council School Wellbeing Service. Regular meetings are held between our designated Wellbeing Worker, our ELSAs and the SENDCO.

ELSA support is delivered by bespoke well-being sessions to individuals or small groups, following referrals from class teachers.  We aim to build your child’s emotional development and help them cope with life’s challenges, encouraging them to use learnt strategies and coping mechanisms independently. 

The ELSAs will aim to equip your child with strategies to support them at home and in school.  This could include support with loss and bereavement, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, etc.

ELSA sessions are normally 6 - 8 weeks and after this, the children will be monitored by check-in sessions.

Our ELSAs are Jess Kettlewell (KS1) and Diane Goodwin (KS2).

Please talk to your child’s class teacher in the first instance if you have any concerns, or email Mrs Stephanie Gee at s.gee@stmarysprimaryschool.co.uk