Hello, my name is Mandy Jones and I am the Lead Teaching Assistant and Learning Mentor at King's Cliffe Endowed Primary School.

I have worked at KCEPS for 18 years and have undertaken a range of training to support children’s emotional wellbeing. This includes ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), mental health for learning, Drawing and Talking, Mental Health First Aid, loss and bereavement, and protective behaviours.

My role as Learning Mentor gives children a safe and supportive space where they can talk, explore their feelings and develop strategies to help them manage some of the challenges they may experience.

ELSA – Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

ELSA is an individual programme of support that takes place in school each week. It can help children to develop their emotional literacy and support areas such as:

• self-esteem and confidence
• friendships and relationships
• social skills
• understanding and managing emotions
• loss and bereavement

Sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual child and use a range of activities, which might include drawing, games, stories, creative activities or simply having time to talk and be listened to.

Learning Mentor Sessions

Learning Mentor sessions also provide children with individual time and support based on their particular needs.

Sessions may focus on areas such as friendships, social skills, self-esteem, anxiety, change, loss or difficult experiences. Different approaches and activities can be used to help children explore their thoughts and feelings and develop strategies that support their emotional wellbeing.

Above all, the aim is to provide children with a trusted adult who will listen, help them make sense of how they are feeling and support them to move forward positively.

Accessing Support

If you feel your child may benefit from support from our Learning Mentor, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office.