WHAT IS EMOTIONAL LITERACY INTERVENTION? 

You may already be familiar with the term ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), a program developed by Sheila Burton, Educational Psychologist in Hampshire, to train teaching assistants to develop and deliver individualised interventions to meet the emotional needs of children in schools. This was soon adopted nationally. The Educational Psychology Service in Reading has developed their own version reflecting the diverse needs of children in the borough. We currently have seven members of staff who have been trained as Emotional Literacy Practitioners by local Educational Psychologists and attend regular networks and supervision opportunities to maintain their skills and knowledge.  

Our Senior Mental Health Lead, Chloe Owens, organises our Emotional Literacy offer and can advise if a child is best suited to internal support or if their emotional needs are better met by one of our external service providers.

Weekly emotional literacy sessions, over a six-week period are often our first response to emerging emotional or social difficulties. We then review and escalate to other services as required. There is often a waiting list for sessions; these are triaged termly according to need. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s emotional needs or interventions, please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance, and if required, you can contact Chloe via the school office.  

If your child is assigned an emotional literacy intervention, you will receive an email sharing that your child has been identified for support and telling you the day, time and practitioner (ELP) they will be working with. You can find introductions to all our ELPs and photos of the intervention room to share with your child below.  

Introduction to Emotional Literacy Sessions for pupils: 

  

Mrs Abbeyquaye 

(Year 5 TA and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years)  

I love being an ELP because it helps me recognise and understand the emotions of children. My favourite colour is Red. An interesting fact about me is that I am a good cook. (I have a terrible voice but love to sing!) 

Mrs Barnard 

(Year 2 TA and whole school Emotional Literacy Practitioner)  

I’m Mrs Barnard, I love being an ELP because I like helping children with their emotions and friendships. My favourite colour is Purple. An interesting fact about me is I like to crochet, and I make homemade Christmas decorations! 

Mrs Kirby

(Year 4 TA and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years) 

“I’m Mrs Kirby, I love being an ELP because I can give comfort, help and listen to children and have fun working together. My favourite colour is Purple. I enjoy reading, gardening and watching my grandsons play football!” 

Mr Murray

(Year 4 TA and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years) 

“I’m Mr Murray, I love being an ELP because I enjoy helping find strategies to support young people through tough times. My favourite colour is baby blue. An interesting fact about me is I love to play the piano.” 

Mrs Saleem 

(Year 6 TA and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years) 

 

Mrs Sarkar 

(Year 3 TA and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years) 

“I love being an ELP because this life-changing role has given me an opportunity to provide children with an emotionally safe and secure environment where they can express themselves positively, confidently, and comfortably. My favourite colour is blue. An interesting fact about me is I am a trained classical singer.” 

 

Mrs Smith  

(SENDco Assistant, and Emotional Literacy Practitioner for all years) 

I love being an ELP so I can offer a safe space for children to express their thoughts and feelings. My favourite colour is pink. When I was younger I was a dancer and a cheerleader.