Hello, my name is Lauren Odgers and I am the ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Pastoral Care lead here at Hatch Warren Infant School.

As a school we realise that there will always be children within the school facing life’s ups and downs. Some may need a little assistance working through, recognising, voicing and processing their feelings about the challenges they face.

Helping children to understand and explain their emotions can have a lifelong positive impact on a child’s self-esteem, mental health, behaviour, relationships, learning and resilience when managing life’s challenges and experiences. We take the emotional welfare of your child very seriously.

If we can help children to recognise, describe and talk about their feelings, they will begin to learn how to help themselves as and when issues arise.

I will support and help our pupils to develop skills and use coping tools and strategies for now and in the future.

The school recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

I have a lovely, cosy room called ‘The Den’ where your child can come and play and learn with me. It is a relaxed atmosphere where your child will have the space and time they need.

Our sessions will include time to talk and may also involve sharing story books, arts and crafts, puppets, worksheets, role-play, mindfulness and board games. We will have fun in a safe, calm environment whilst we work through the emotions and challenges your child may be facing.

Your child may work with me on a 1:1 basis or within a small group. I work alongside our children compassionately and with sensitivity. I liaise with parents/carers and teachers to further help your child.

We want our children to feel secure, respected and valued for who they are in the hope that this will create happy, enthusiastic, confident individuals no matter what their circumstances.

I am here Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I am always here to listen and to try to help in any way I can.

If you feel like your child may need some additional emotional support, please speak to your child’s teacher who can let me know.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Odgers