Wolverhampton Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is proud to be a registered provider of Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training and support. This initiative empowers schools and settings to nurture the emotional well-being of children and young people.
Here, you'll find valuable information about the ELSA role, how this program can benefit your setting, and the comprehensive support offered by Wolverhampton EPS, including training for prospective ELSAs and ongoing supervision for qualified ELSAs.
Wolverhampton EPS has successfully trained over 25 ELSAs, who are now working across a diverse range of settings, from nurseries to post-16 institutions, to support hundreds of children and young people within the local authority.
The ELSA programme is nationally recognised and evidence-based, designed to equip schools with the necessary tools and resources to address the emotional needs of their pupils effectively.
ELSAs are members of school staff who:
- Have attended (or are currently attending) a full ELSA training course delivered by a qualified Educational Psychologist
- Regularly attend half-termly supervision, led by a qualified Educational Psychologist
- Deliver bespoke programmes of support and/or interventions to individual/small groups of pupils
- Receive regular line management supervision within their organisation.
ELSAs are members of staff employed within educational settings or organisations. The roles of ELSAs in Wolverhampton vary widely and include Teaching Assistants (TAs), Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), Pastoral Assistants, Family Support roles, Learning Mentors, Family Liaison Workers and Deputy SENCOs. What unites ELSAs is their ability to form positive relationships with pupils, their capacity to think creatively in supporting pupils to overcome their difficulties and their commitment to improving outcomes for pupils.
ELSAs play a vital role in supporting the social and emotional well-being of pupils. Their work can involve:
- Building positive relationships: ELSAs create a safe and supportive environment for pupils to express their feelings and concerns.
- Identifying pupils who may benefit from emotional support: ELSAs communicate with teachers and parents, and identify pupils who may benefit from additional emotional support.
- Delivering targeted interventions: ELSAs implement a range of evidence-based interventions, such as social skills training, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness exercises.
- Providing emotional support: ELSAs offer individual and group support to pupils experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management issues, or other emotional difficulties.
- Promoting social and emotional learning: ELSAs integrate social and emotional learning skills into their work, helping pupils develop self-awareness, empathy, and healthy relationships.
- Supporting the whole school community: ELSAs can contribute to creating a positive and supportive school environment for all pupils.
Wolverhampton EPS provides comprehensive support to ELSAs throughout their journey:
- Initial Training: We deliver comprehensive training to equip prospective ELSAs with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to effectively support pupils' emotional well-being.
- Ongoing Supervision: Qualified Educational Psychologists provide regular half-termly supervision sessions to support ELSAs in their work. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity for ELSAs to:
- Reflect on their practice
- Discuss challenges and successes
- Receive guidance and support from experienced professionals
- Develop their skills and knowledge
- Consultation and Support: Wolverhampton EPS is available to provide ongoing consultation and support to ELSAs, schools, and other stakeholders.
- Resources and Materials: We provide access to a range of resources and materials to support ELSAs in their work, such as evidence-based interventions, activity ideas, and relevant research.
- Networking Opportunities: We facilitate opportunities for ELSAs to network and share best practice with colleagues from across the city.
By providing comprehensive training, ongoing support, and valuable resources, Wolverhampton EPS aims to empower ELSAs to make a significant difference in the lives of children and young people.
If you are considering implementing an ELSA program in your school, you may be wondering about its benefits. Here are some key advantages to consider, supported by research:
- Improved Pupil Well-being: Recent research shows that the ELSA programme positively impacts pupils' emotional well-being. Krause et al. (2020) found that pupils reported enhanced emotional well-being after participating in ELSA sessions.
- Parental Perceptions of Positive Impact: Parents perceive the ELSA programme as beneficial for their children. Wilding and Claridge (2016) noted that parents observed improvements in their children's emotional literacy and behaviour at home.
- Whole-School Well-being Enhancement: A recent case study highlighted the relationship between the ELSA intervention and whole-school approaches to well-being, suggesting that ELSA can be integrated effectively to support broader school initiatives (Rogers and Kelly 2024).
- Empowering Support Staff: The ELSA programme empowers learning support assistants to enhance children's emotional well-being, providing them with the skills and confidence to support pupils effectively (Burton, 2008).
By integrating the ELSA program, schools can proactively address pupils' emotional needs, fostering a supportive environment conducive to both personal and academic growth.
Date: Wednesday 21st May 2025 (Day 1 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Hall
Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025 (Day 2 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Date: Wednesday 18th June 2025 (Day 3 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Hall
Date: Wednesday 25th June 2025 (Day 4 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025 (Day 5 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Date: Wednesday 16th July 2025 (Day 6 Training)
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 09.00-15.00
ELSA Training and ongoing supervision can be booked via WVES
Please note that training places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
We are proud to have a thriving network of ELSAs across Wolverhampton, serving children and young people in a variety of settings. This network includes a diverse range of providers, including schools, nurseries and post-16 providers. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to support the emotional well-being and development of our city's children, and we are grateful for their commitment and hard work. We are proud to be working with the following settings as part of our local network:
- Aldersley High School
- Berrybrook Primary School
- Coppice Performing Arts School
- Dunstall Hill Primary School
- Elston Hall Primary School
- Graiseley Primary School
- Heath Park School
- Low Hill Nursery School
- Moreton School
- Northwood Park Primary School
- Ormiston SWB Academy
- Perry Hall Primary School
- Rakegate Primary School
- St Andrew’s CE Primary School
- St Edmund’s Catholic Academy
- St Matthias School
- St Regis CE Academy
- Spring Vale Primary School
- The Khalsa Academy
- West Park Primary School
- Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre
- Woodthorne Primary School
Cohort 1 (ELSA Training Completed December 2023)
Supervision Session 1 (Summer Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 14th May 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Summer Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 5 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 6 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Cohort 2 (ELSA Training Completed July 2024)
Supervision Session 1 (Summer Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Summer Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 5 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 6 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Cohort 3 (ELSAs Training Completed July 2025)
Supervision Session 1 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 1 (Summer Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 14th May 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Summer Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 5 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 6 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Cedar Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 1 (Summer Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Summer Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 8th July 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 5 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 6 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Cohort 3 (ELSAs Training Completed July 2025)
Supervision Session 1 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 1 (Autumn Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 2 (Autumn Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 3 (Spring Term 1)
Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Supervision Session 4 (Spring Term 2)
Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026
Location: Graiseley Family Hub, Willow Room (TBC)
Time: 13.00-15.00
Burton, S. (2008). Empowering learning support assistants to enhance the emotional well-being of children in school. Educational and Child Psychology, 25(2), 40–56.
Krause, N., Blackwell, L., & Claridge, S. (2020). An exploration of the impact of the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme on well-being from the perspective of pupils. Educational Psychology in Practice, 36(1), 17–31.
Wilding, L., & Claridge, S. (2016). The Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme: Parental perceptions of its impact in school and at home. Educational Psychology in Practice, 32(2), 180–196.
Rogers, H., & Kelly, C. (2024). Exploring the relationship between the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) intervention and whole-school approaches to well-being – a case study. Pastoral Care in Education, pp. 1-23.
Weare, K., & Nind, M. (2011). Mental health promotion and problem prevention in schools: What does the evidence say? Health Promotion International, 26(S1), 29–69.
Taylor, R. D., Oberle, E., Durlak, J. A., & Weissberg, R. P. (2017). Promoting positive youth development through school-based social and emotional learning interventions: A meta-analysis of follow-up effects. Child Development, 88(4), 1156–1171.
Thapa, A., Cohen, J., Guffey, S., & Higgins-D’Alessandro, A. (2013). A review of school climate research. Review of Educational Research, 83(3), 357–385.
Some useful links:
ELSA Network: www.elsanetwork.org
ELSA Support: www.elsa-support.co.uk
Downloads:
ELSA information for school leaders
ELSA course and pricing 2025
If you would like to find out more about ELSA in Wolverhampton, contact Educational Psychologist Dr Lewis Field at lewis.field@wolverhampton.gov.uk