Pastoral Support

Why is pastoral care important? All parents/carers want their children to be safe and happy at school. Pastoral care is all about making sure this happens. Education and health are closely linked and studies have shown that children with good health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically. Good pastoral care in school is fundamental to the development of character and skills, which will be of great importance to children in later life.

ELSA
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) support is a school-based intervention designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, develop social skills, improve confidence, and build resilience. Sessions are delivered in a calm, supportive environment where children can explore their feelings and learn practical strategies to manage challenges they may face in school or at home.

Miss Smith works with children in short, regular sessions, either individually or in a small group, depending on their needs. The sessions take place during the school day and do not interfere significantly with learning time. ELSA sessions focus on:

Emotional literacy: Helping students identify and express their feelings in a healthy way.
Self-regulation: Teaching students how to manage their emotions and behaviours, especially in challenging situations.
Social skills: Supporting students in building positive relationships, improving communication, and resolving conflicts.
Building resilience: Helping students develop coping mechanisms to deal with challenges or difficult emotions.
Well-being and mental health: Providing a safe space for students to discuss their emotional needs and receive guidance.

The ELSA role is vital in promoting emotional well-being, enhancing students’ ability to learn, and creating a positive and supportive school environment. An ELSA is a trained professional who works under the guidance of a qualified educational psychologist.

Miss Smith is a trained ELSA.