The country's first emotional literacy support assistants (ELSAs) have helped Hightown Primary School in Southampton raise standards and cut exclusions by two-thirds. ELSAs Lorraine Englefield and Tracey Little work with all the pupils at their school, but they focus their efforts on those with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). They help these children understand and control their emotions and to develop strategies to deal with them. Six years ago, Hightown was put into special measures. Headteacher Sue Bailey explains how important promoting emotional literacy has been in improving behaviour and enhancing learning. The ELSAs are central to their whole-school approach. From an individual pupil assessment, they decide who needs help with anger management or development in empathy, friendship and communication skills.

Video Series: Primary Special Needs
Release Date 2005