The ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) project was originally developed within Southampton, and then Hampshire, by Sheila Burton, Educational Psychologist. It was designed to build the capacity of schools to support the emotional needs of their pupils from within their own resources. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists who apply psychological knowledge of children’s social and emotional development to particular areas of need and to specific casework.

At Droxford Junior School we have one ELSA, Mrs Smith - who is in school on Fridays.