Emotional Wellbeing: An Introductory Handbook for Elsas and Pastoral Support Staff

This is an essential resource for educators working to support emotional wellbeing in children and young people. Written by the team behind the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training programme, it provides practical suggestions that can be implemented straight away to make a positive difference in the life of the young person.

Fully updated, the third edition of this bestselling guide includes a new chapter on trauma and adverse childhood experiences, as well as expanded material to support neurodivergent children, help those who struggle with worry, and work more closely with parents and carers. The chapters give a clear overview of each topic underpinned by the latest research in educational psychology, descriptions of vulnerabilities as well as case studies, ’let’s get practical’ ideas, and reflective moments. Topics include:

• Self-esteem
• Friendship skills
• Social skills
• Therapeutic stories
• Understanding anger and anxiety
• Dealing with loss and bereavement.

With fresh colour illustrations throughout, this resource will be vital reading for ELSA trainees as well as anyone wanting to provide the best possible support for the emotional wellbeing of the young people they work with. It is designed for use with individuals, groups or whole classes.

Gillian Shotton is an Educational Psychologist and writer with a passion for supporting the emotional wellbeing of children. In the 2000s, she worked with Sheila Burton to create the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme. In addition to her work on ELSA, Gillian has authored several influential texts aimed at assisting those working with emotionally vulnerable children. She is the author of A Session-by-Session Guide to Life Story Work and The Feelings Diary, both of which provide practical guidance for supporting children emotionally. Her writing offers valuable strategies for helping children process their experiences and build resilience. She is currently working with bMindful Psychology, supporting both schools and children’s homes to enhance the emotional wellbeing of the young people in their care. Beyond her professional achievements, Gillian is passionate about enjoying nature and mindfulness to enhance wellbeing.

Sheila Burton is the founder of the ELSA initiative and worked as an Area Principal Educational Psychologist in Hampshire prior to retirement. Her special interest as an educational psychologist has always been emotional wellbeing, and during her career she has had experience of running many therapeutic groups for children and young people. Sheila is the author of the ELSA Trainers’ Manual and Excellent ELSAs. She set up the ELSA Network to support ELSAs and the educational psychologists who train them, remaining actively involved as its Chair. In her retirement she continues to provide ELSA training and supervision for an educational psychology service in her locality. Sheila is also Chair of Trustees for an educational charity in Uganda. Her other main interests are sailing and enjoying time with her husband, children and their seven grandchildren.