Transforming Kid's Worries Through ELSA Support
Jul 10, 2025If your child’s school has an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), you’ve truly hit the jackpot—and in this video, I explain why.
ELSA are teaching assistants who have training and supervision from an educational psychologist to provide personalised emotional support to children who are finding school hard. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, ELSAs tailor their support to each child’s unique needs, offering calm, caring relationships and practical tools to help children feel safe, connected, and understood.
From running gentle morning meet-and-greets, to supporting emotional regulation through creative play, to helping build friendships and self-esteem—ELSAs are a vital source of support for children with school-based anxiety.
If your child is struggling, ask your school’s SENCO if ELSA support is available. It could make a big difference.
And if you work in a Cambridgeshire school and are interested in ELSA training, my next course starts in October 2025. You can find all the information here.
If you’re not always sure what to say or do when your child goes into fight, flight, or freeze before school, you’re not alone. I’ve created a free guide that walks you through simple, practical steps to help bring your child back to calm. You can download it here and keep it handy for those tricky mornings.
Nicky Odgers
