ELSA Training FAQ

Question 1

What is ELSA Training?

Accepted Answer

ELSA Training equips teaching assistants with the skills to support children’s emotional well-being in schools. At The Child Psych, it includes six in-person sessions led by Educational Psychologists, plus ongoing supervision. Training covers emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience to help children thrive.

Question 2

How do you qualify for ELSA?

Accepted Answer

To qualify as an ELSA, you must: Be a teaching assistant or school staff member working with children, complete six in-person training sessions with a qualified Educational Psychologist, and attend regular ongoing supervision after training. At The Child Psych, ELSA training follows ELSA Network standards, ensuring high-quality emotional support for children.

Question 3

What happens in an ELSA session?

Accepted Answer

An ELSA session is a structured one-to-one or small group session where an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) helps children develop emotional skills. Sessions are tailored to each child’s needs and may include: building emotional awareness, developing coping strategies, improving social skills, and boosting self-esteem. Sessions use therapeutic activities like role-play, storytelling, and creative tasks to support emotional growth in a safe, supportive space.

Question 4

Can you do ELSA training online?

Accepted Answer

ELSA training itself must be completed in person, as it requires interactive learning and practical activities. However, at The Child Psych, we offer annual online ELSA supervision to provide ongoing support. This includes 2-hour group sessions each half term, helping trained ELSAs build on their skills and share experiences.

Question 5

How much is an ELSA course?

Accepted Answer

At The Child Psych, the cost of ELSA training is: £900 per person – Six in-person training sessions across an academic year (1 per half term), £12,000 for up to 30 attendees – If training is held at your venue (materials provided for printing), £350 per year – Annual online ELSA supervision (2-hour group sessions per half term). This includes training by Educational Psychologists and ongoing supervision to support ELSAs in their role.

Question 6

Are ELSA sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

ELSA sessions are confidential, but with necessary safeguarding exceptions. Information shared during sessions stays private unless there is a concern for the child’s safety or well-being. In such cases, the ELSA must follow the school's safeguarding policies and report concerns to the appropriate staff. Schools may also request general progress updates, but personal details remain protected.

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