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Emotional Literacy Support

Any stay in hospital can be a challenging time and Southampton Hospital School wants to support young people and families through this often difficult time. There will always be children and young people who find challenges in life more difficult to deal with than others and therefore will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy and their ability to share and cope with their feelings.

SHS is lucky enough to have two qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun; we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or arts and craft. ELSA sessions can take place at bedside or in a place in the hospital where the young person feels safe and comfortable.

Meet Our ELSA Team

JSJulie has worked at SCHS for over 10 years. She began her school career as a nursery teacher. Since then Julie has developed a wealth of experience working with young people of all ages in a variety of settings. Julie has a grown up family and is passionate about animals particularly her dogs, Deacon and Maisy.

JSJo has worked in schools across the city variously as a teaching assistant, teacher and as a 1-1. She has also worked as a young carer and for MENCAP. She has also trained as an Emotional First Aider. In her previous life she travelled the world as a Deputy Stage Manager. Nowadays she is the proud Mum to a lively toddler.