ELSA Information for Parents at West Kidlington Primary School


An ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a member of staff who is trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy.

What is emotional literacy?

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


Some of the areas ELSA may work on are:

  • Recognising emotions,
  • Self-esteem, ? Social skills,
  • Friendship skills,
  • Anger management,
  • Loss and bereavement.


How does the ELSA work?

  • A regular slot during the school day each week,
  • lasting 30 minutes,
  • Sessions are tailored to the child's individual needs,
  • Sessions are fun and can include role play, board games, arts and craft, stories and music,
  • They include time to talk,
  • A pupil's progress will be review on a 6 week basis.


A parent/carer can help by:

  • Informing the school if there are any issues which may be affecting your child,
  • Contacting the child's class teacher or the school ELSA if they have any questions.

ELSA Website:


Contact Details:

To contact our Family Support Worker ring the school office on 01865 373369 and ask for Gen Bullen or email [email protected]

Alternatively, speak to your child's class teacher who can arrange a phone call home.