Emotional Health and Well-being

What is Emotional Literacy and What is an ELSA?

At Burghfield St Mary's we have a dedicated ELSA  (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) within school who regularly works with any of our children guiding them through any worries or concerns. 

Mental health and Emotional Literacy is very important in our school and we want to be able to provide the children with strategies to cope with the things which worry them. Research supports the need for early intervention, to help children recognise and deal with their complex emotional responses - supporting children with their emotions also supports their learning in school; as they develop good resilience and strong self-esteem.

Our ELSAs support the children in the following areas either 1:1 or in small groups:

• Emotions including managing anger 
• Self-esteem
• Anxiety/Worries
• Friendship and Social Skills
• Loss & bereavement

Service Families

At Burghfield St Mary’s, around 33% of our children come from a service family – something which we feel makes our school a really special place.  All of our teachers and support staff appreciate the impact that being a service child can have on education and have completed the “Nurturing Schools Program”.

We operate a buddy system for new pupils to help them with the transition to their new school.