Who can become an ELSA?

Teachers, teaching assistants, SENCO, Pastoral Staff and all professionals who work directly with children and young people in education settings.

Is ELSA Training accredited?

bMindful's training follows ELSA Network standards and is led be Dr Gillian Shotton, a specialist Educational Psychologist with expertise in children's emotional wellbeing.

How much does ELSA training cost?

It costs £750 you can find out more on the booking page. (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elsa-online-training-supporting-emotional-and-mental-health-needs-tickets-1985044961917?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) Sometimes we occasionally discount the course.

When is the next ELSA training starting?

The next training group starts online at Wednesday 2 September 2026.

Are there payment plans for ELSA Training?

Yes, please contact us on 0161 510 0111 to discuss.

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ELSA Training for Schools in the UK

Delivered by Educational Psychologists a 6 day Accredited Programme and Supervision

What is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and what do they do?

Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA). They are Teaching Assistants who have had special training from Educational Psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. ELSA’s have regular professional supervision from Educational Psychologists to help them in their work. ELSA’s help children and young people learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They provide the time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them.

How does ELSA work?

Most ELSA programmes with children and young people will last for 8 to 12 weeks, helping the pupil to learn some specific new skills or coping strategies. Clear programme aims (SMART targets) need to be set early on and each session has an objective - something the ELSA wants to help the pupil understand or achieve. The ELSA isn’t there to ‘fix’ the child. For pupils with complex or long-term needs, it’s unrealistic to expect ELSA support to resolve all their difficulties. Change is a long-term process that needs everyone’s help.

ELSA work should be fun – that’s what makes the difference. It isn’t a reward for bad behaviour. By building a positive relationship with challenging children the ELSA can help them think about and reduce their troublesome behaviour. It will take time but will be worth it in the end.

ELSA Online Training Promotion. Features a classroom scene. With a Teaching assistant supporting a child. They are sitting at a desk. Other children are in the room.

I would like an ELSA in my school

bMindful’s training follow’s the ELSA network standards and is a led by a qualified Educational Psychologist who may be assisted by one of our therapeutic practitioners. Our core curriculum is delivered over six days and is expected to include:

Emotional Awareness
Emotional Regulation
Self Esteem
Social and Friendship skills
Loss and Bereavement

ELSA’s will also learn how to write SMART targets for individuals and groups and create sessions plans based on these.

Our bMindful package also includes additional four follow up groups supervision sessions, delivered on a half termly basis once the initial training has completed.

Do you do online ELSA Training ?

Yes. ELSA Online Training is delivered by Dr Gillian Shotton - Equips professionals with skills to support children's emotional resilience and literacy.

bMindful's ELSA training follows ELSA Network standards and is led by Dr Gillian Shotton, a specialist Educational Psychologist with expertise in children's emotional wellbeing. Our core curriculum is delivered over six days with an additional six 2-hour group supervision sessions.

You will also receive a free copy of Dr Gillian Shottons book - ‘emotional wellbeing an introductory handbook.’