Parley School runs an Emotional Literacy programme for the benefit of all children in the school. We currently have three members of staff (Leigh Webb, Liz Winter and Zoe Laver) trained by the county Educational Psychology service as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. Referrals come from members of teaching staff, the Wellbeing Lead and and sometimes from parents themselves. Children also have the opportunity to refer themselves to the ELSA team.
An ELSA session will first entail an open discussion with the parents,
and carers, to enable us to gather any necessary information before proceeding with any work. This will then be followed by 6-weeks targeted intervention support.
There are so many areas of child development that can cause emotional upset; social life and friendships, natural curiosity and growing up, family break up, bereavement, anxiety, changes such as moving house or school, hormones, health… the list is endless. We also like to encourage a growth mindset and self esteem building and will work with individuals and groups of children.
We have prided ourselves on putting a high priority on children’s mental health for many years now and will try to support in all circumstances. Where this is beyond our remit, we may support referrals to the Mental Health in Schools Team, CaMHS and other agencies.
Alongside these more formal interventions are the times when we are simply a friendly face that the children can trust and chat with. We have broad shoulders, good hearing and bucketful’s of empathy.
Chinwags
Chinwags is an informal drop-in group for all parents and carers which is held on the second Friday morning of each half term from 8.30-9.30am. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents and carers and share ideas. The sessions can help support friendships, home-school communications, school routines, sleep routines, worries and encourage independence. You can look forward to a friendly, open and honest attitude as we strive to improve the partnership between parents, carers and school. This session is run by Leigh Webb, Wellbeing Lead. Please meet by the school office for this session. The dates scheduled for this year are: 10th November 2023, 12th January 2024, 1st March 2024, 26th April 2024 and 14th June 2024.