At Ordsall Primary School, we understand the importance of supporting every child's social, emotional and mental wellbeing. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and supported, and we are committed to working closely with families to help every child thrive.

Our dedicated pastoral team provides a range of support for children and families, whether they are experiencing a short-term difficulty or require more sustained support.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs)

We have two trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs):

• Miss Elaine Shaw – Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead
• Mrs Steph Smith – Attendance and Family Support Lead

Both members of staff have completed accredited ELSA training delivered by Educational Psychologists and provide targeted emotional support for children across the school.

Interventions are delivered either on an individual basis or in small groups and take place in our dedicated ELSA room, providing a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and manage their emotions. Sessions are engaging and child-centred, using activities such as games, role play, storytelling, arts and crafts, and discussion.

Our ELSA support helps children to develop:

• Emotional awareness and regulation
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Social and friendship skills
• Resilience and coping strategies
• Anger management
• Managing change and transitions
• Loss and bereavement

Pastoral and Wellbeing Support

As our Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead, Miss Elaine Shaw works closely with children who may need additional emotional or pastoral support.

This may include helping children who are experiencing:

• Friendship or social difficulties
• Anxiety or worries
• Emotional regulation needs
• Changes in family circumstances
• Bereavement or loss
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• Difficulties settling into school or coping with change

Miss Shaw works alongside class teachers, parents and external professionals where appropriate to ensure children receive the support they need to feel happy, safe and ready to learn.

Attendance and Family Support

Mrs Steph Smith, our Attendance and Family Support Lead, works closely with families to promote good attendance and provide practical support where challenges are affecting school life.

We recognise that every family is different, and our aim is always to work in partnership with parents and carers to remove barriers and ensure children are able to attend school regularly and achieve their full potential.

Mrs Smith can support families by:

• Listening to and understanding the challenges families may be facing.
• Offering advice and guidance on routines, behaviour, school attendance, emotional wellbeing and online safety.
• Supporting children and families during key transition points.
• Working with children individually to develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships.
• Referring and signposting families to appropriate local services and agencies.
• Working alongside external professionals to coordinate support where needed.

Working Together

Our pastoral team works closely with teaching staff, the SEND team, safeguarding team and external agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

If you have any concerns about your child's emotional wellbeing, attendance or family circumstances, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact Miss Elaine Shaw or Mrs Steph Smith through the school office. We are always happy to listen and work together to help support your child and family.