Definition
An ELSA is a teaching assistant who has completed the accredited Emotional Literacy Support Assistant programme (six days of training and ongoing supervision delivered by an Educational Psychologist) to provide short-term, one-to-one emotional literacy support in school. The programme was developed by Sheila Burton, Educational Psychologist, and is delivered by LA EP services across the UK.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- An ELSA is a teaching assistant who has completed the accredited Emotional Literacy Support Assistant programme.
- Six days of training plus ongoing half-termly EP supervision (non-negotiable in the programme).
- Programme developed by Sheila Burton, Educational Psychologist; delivered by LA EP services across the UK.
- Sessions are 1:1, 30 minutes weekly, typically 6–10 weeks; named area of emotional literacy per child.
- Appropriate for mild to moderate SEMH presentations; not therapy and not appropriate for trauma processing or moderate-to-severe mental illness.
The ELSA programme is the most widely-implemented school-based SEMH intervention in the UK. An ELSA-trained TA delivers a planned programme of 1:1 sessions (typically 30 minutes weekly for 6–10 weeks) addressing a named area of emotional literacy: recognising and managing feelings, self-esteem, loss and bereavement, social skills, anxiety, anger management, or friendship difficulties.
What makes ELSA different from generic "pastoral support" is the supervision and the structure. ELSAs must attend half-termly supervision with their LA EP supervisor (this is non-negotiable in the programme) and use planned, session-by-session resources. The supervisor reviews cases, advises on interventions, and signposts onward where the picture exceeds ELSA's scope.
ELSA is appropriate for mild to moderate SEMH presentations: friendship difficulties, anxiety about transition, low self-esteem, processing loss, emotional regulation skill-building. ELSA is not therapy and is not appropriate for trauma processing, OCD treatment, eating disorder support, or moderate-to-severe mental illness. Those require CAMHS or clinical psychology input.
In an EHCP for a child with SEMH needs, Section F can specify ELSA input ("weekly 30-minute ELSA sessions delivered by an EP-supervised, ELSA-accredited TA") alongside or as an alternative to broader therapeutic provision. Where ELSA is the right fit, it has strong evidence (Department for Education / Burton & Salmon studies) for short-term gains in emotional literacy and self-rating.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside Emotional Literacy Support Assistant.
Teaching Assistant(TA)
A member of school staff who supports teaching and learning under a teacher's direction. TAs often deliver interventions and may provide 1:1 support for a child with an EHCP.
Educational Psychologist(EP)
A qualified psychologist who works with children, families, and schools to assess learning, development, and social-emotional needs. EP advice is a statutory part of EHC needs assessments.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health(SEMH)
One of the four broad areas of SEND need. Covers difficulties with emotional regulation, mental health, attachment, and behaviour, including anxiety, withdrawal, and challenging behaviour.
Zones of Regulation
A curriculum developed by Leah Kuypers that uses four colour-coded zones to help children identify and manage their emotional state.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page when the school has offered ELSA and parents are weighing it against external therapy, or when wanting ELSA written into Section F. Searches include "what does an ELSA do school", "ELSA versus counselling", and "ELSA Section F EHCP". A Beaakon specialist can advise whether ELSA is the right intervention for your child's profile, or whether a higher level of therapeutic input is needed, and write Section F to reflect the right level.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.