Hull City Psychological Service recently hosted its first Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) Continued Professional Development (CPD) Day.
On Tuesday 14 October, 25 ELSAs from 20 schools in the city attended the session at the Albemarle Music Centre, including representatives from primary, secondary, post-16 years education, specialist SEND and alternative provision.
The milestone event aimed to enhance skills and confidence of experienced ELSAs across the city. This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening emotional support for children and young people in Hull’s schools. The event offered:
- Techniques for gathering pupil voice
- Training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Personal Construct Psychology
- Supervision and problem-solving frameworks
- Tailored resources for specific age groups and needs
An ELSA is typically a teaching assistant working within a school who has completed a six-day training course developed by Educational Psychologist Sheila Burton.
The ELSA programme was designed to empower schools to support the emotional wellbeing of pupils using their own resources, fostering resilience and emotional literacy from within.
As of 2025, 92.3% of primary and secondary schools in Hull now employ at least one ELSA, and both Hull College and the council’s Integrated Physical and Sensory Service (IPaSS) have joined the network with trained ELSAs. Some schools now have teams of eight or more ELSAs, creating collaborative environments where practitioners can share knowledge and strategies.
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, said: “This diverse representation highlights the inclusive nature of the ELSA programme and its relevance across all educational settings.
“The CPD day was not just a training opportunity – it was a celebration of the dedication and impact of ELSAs citywide. By continuing to invest in their development, Hull City Psychological Service is ensuring that schools are equipped to meet the emotional needs of their pupils with compassion, skill, and confidence.”
