24 March 2026
Around 50 Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) from schools across the Island have been formally recognised for the essential support they provide to some of Jersey’s most vulnerable learners at the 2026 ELSA Conference, held on Friday 20 March.
The event, organised by the Educational Psychology Service, celebrated the pivotal role ELSAs play in helping children and young people understand and manage their emotions, while providing safe, nurturing spaces within schools. The conference also offered a full day of professional learning, collaboration, and shared practice.
Hosted at Les Quennevais School, the conference featured a packed programme of workshops, presentations and discussions. Each attending ELSA received a certificate acknowledging their ongoing commitment to supporting children’s emotional development and wellbeing.
Attendees took part in a series of keynote sessions exploring key wellbeing themes, including:
- Food habits and nutrition, and their impact on children’s emotional wellbeing – led by Martin Knight, Public Health Improvement
- Nature, ecopsychology and emotional health – delivered by Amanda Bond and Jonty Perchard
- Findings from the annual Jersey ELSA audit – presented by Jeffrey Soares
- Themes emerging from group supervisions – from Educational Psychologists Anika Spanswick and Alun Flynn
In the afternoon, ELSAs took part in a mindfulness session facilitated by Tina Hesse, supporting their own wellbeing as well as the strategies they bring back to schools.
A highlight of the day was the interactive Show & Tell, where ELSAs showcased the creative tools, resources and approaches they use to support children in their schools. The session, led by the Wellbeing Team, sparked lively discussion and gave participants the opportunity to learn from one another.
Among the many inspiring examples was a project shared by an ELSA from St Clement’s School, who introduced her Positive Pal. Paula crochets small “pals” for the children she works with, and each time they meet, the child adds a bead representing significant adults in their life. At the end of their sessions, the beads are turned into a keyring for each child.
ELSA-trained staff continue to play a vital role in Jersey’s education and wellbeing system. They provide structured emotional literacy support that helps children understand their feelings, build coping strategies, strengthen relationships and thrive both socially and academically.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between ELSAs, schools, and wellbeing professionals ensuring that every child has access to the safe, supportive environment they need to flourish.
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