ELSA – Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a specialist teaching assistant with a wealth of experience of working with children.

ELSA’s are trained and regularly supervised by the Educational Psychologists in your Local Educational Authority.

An ELSA is a warm and caring person who wants to help your child feel happy in school and to reach their potential educationally.

Their aim is to remove the barriers to learning and to have happy children in school and at home. An ELSA can offer help with:

  • Loss and bereavement
  • Self-esteem
  • Social skills
  • Emotions
  • Friendship issues
  • Relationships
  • Anger Management
  • Behaviour
  • Anxiety
  • Bullying

At Ganton School this support is currently offered by Cathy Wallis and Jack Gilby who accepts referrals from class teachers, with parental consent, to work with individuals undergoing different challenges.

Their case loads are huge and varied but the impact of their work is so great that we are working with the local Educational Psychology team to train a further worker to across both sites.

‘Pupil Premium is targeted to improving pupils’ communication skills through investment in specialist equipment and software.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Leaders have carried out a detailed review of the curriculum pathways for pupils.’…

OFSTED comments

‘The school council is
especially active and members are particularly proud of the role they played in improving school meals..’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils take part in local and
regional accessible sporting activities.’…

OFSTED comments

‘There is a strong emphasis on personalisation of the curriculum, the development of pupils’ communication skills, independence skills and preparation for life after school.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Leaders have introduced a new approach to assessment. This enables leaders to check pupils’ progress from their starting points more effectively.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils respect each other, display good manners and work together successfully.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils run the school shop and staff cafeteria, enabling them to use their literacy and numeracy skills in a practical setting.’…

OFSTED comments

‘The curriculum offers a wealth of enrichment activities which are highly valued by
pupils and parents and carers.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils say that they enjoy their lessons and take great pride in their work.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils spoke
enthusiastically about learning outside of school and their visits to local museums, the Humber Bridge, local cafes and to the cinema.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Staff use signing, symbols, photographs and objects of reference to communicate effectively with those pupils who need additional support to ensure that they are fully engaged in their learning.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Leaders have continued to develop the school’s curriculum since the last inspection.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils take part in a strong work experience and work-related learning programme.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Based on the evidence gathered during this short inspection, I am of the opinion that the school continues to go from strength to strength.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Leaders use the pupil premium funding effectively.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are making strong progress from their varied starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.’…

OFSTED comments

‘Pupils rise to the challenges that you set, and their learning is rarely disrupted.’…

OFSTED comments