Hello,

Wishing you a warm welcome to Burford Primary’s ELSA page. This is where you can access information about our Emotional Literacy department.

My name is Amy Edwards. I am Burford Primary schools ELSA; my role is to help our children at Burford Primary facing life challenges and support them with different areas of emotional needs such as: -

• Anxiety
• Social Skills
• Loss and Bereavement
• Anger management
• Friendship and relationships

It is intended as a short-term intervention to help develop specific skills or coping strategies. Children needing additional support are referred by class teachers and each half term referrals are considered and prioritized. Based on the aims of the programme, sessions are then planned that will help the child to develop specific new skills or coping strategies that can help them manage social and emotions more effectively. I run sessions on a Friday and the interventions last between 6 and 12 weeks (about 3 months)

I give the children a safe space to be calm and talk about their emotions and other challenges they may be facing. We sometimes do activities such as crafts, games, mindful coloring, sometimes just a chat with a biscuit and a hot chocolate can make the world of difference. I try to make it a fun session because ELSA support is about developing a respectful relationship in which the young person is enabled to think about their situation without judgement or criticism. Most ELSA work happens on a 1:1 basis, but sometimes small group work may be more appropriate to support social and friendship skills. Sessions will take place in our nurture hub providing a calm and safe place in which each child feels supported and nurtured.

If you would like to get in contact with me or have any questions you can email me on office.2251@burford-pri.oxon.sch.uk or you can speak with your child's class teacher for more information.