For ELSAs
The BOUNCE Approach® for ELSAs
Beyond emotional literacy
A whole-child framework for the moments when emotional literacy alone isn’t enough – helping you understand what some children need before it can truly take root.
When emotional literacy alone isn’t enough
Every ELSA knows these children
The child who says “I don’t know” – every single time, no matter how gently you ask.
The child who attends every session but never seems to move forward.
The child whose confidence builds and then collapses the moment they leave the room.
The child who can tell you exactly what a good friend does – and still eats alone every day.
The child who wants to come to school – and whose body won’t let them.
The child who leaves you wondering: what am I missing?
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The child who leaves you wondering: what am I missing?
You’re not missing skill. You’re not missing care. You may be missing a framework that helps you understand what’s happening underneath.
That’s what the BOUNCE Approach® is for.
★★★★★
“As an ELSA, the students coming to me – especially the older ones – are more and more complex, and I used to sit down to plan and not know where to start. The BOUNCE Approach® gave me a huge toolkit of strategies and resources, so I can run my ELSA sessions and, when a student needs more beyond ELSA, I’ve got that covered too.
Now whoever I’m working with, I feel confident I can support them. I’m really grateful I found it.”
ELSA Practitioner
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
Our approach · Let’s explore
The six BOUNCE pillars
Look beyond behaviour and explore the areas that may be influencing a child’s wellbeing, regulation, relationships, learning and development. Select any pillar to see what you can add to your toolkit.
B
Body & Nervous System
Grounding, regulation & somatic awareness.
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Reducing Anxiety through Gut Health
O
Openness to Connection
Trust, attachment & co-regulation.
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U
Understanding Sensory
Sensory processing & awareness.
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N
Navigating Emotions
Emotional expression & regulation.
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C
Connection & Communication
Communication skills & connection.
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E
Esteem & Identity
Self-esteem, identity & belonging.
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Imagine having all of this in one place
More than 50 CPD-certified courses, interventions, assessments, activities, templates, tools and downloads – organised through the six BOUNCE pillars, available whenever you need them.
Less searching. More confidence. Better support for the children who need it most.
Your BOUNCE Journey
Your BOUNCE journey as an ELSA
When you receive a referral you move through a five-step journey. At each stage the Learning Portal gives you everything you need – assessment tools, editable support plans, resource libraries, creative therapy ideas, tracking tools and practitioner training.
1
Understand
I’ve received a referral – where do I start?
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Complete the 2-minute Snapshot observation tool to see beyond behaviour to what the nervous system needs
Structured questions cover relationships, sensory world, emotions, communication and sense of self
Immediately identify which of the six BOUNCE pillars is the priority
Start from a clear, shared understanding of the child
✓ What you get: An online Snapshot tool, a clear baseline score, and instant knowledge of where to begin.
2
Identify
Now I know the pillar – what resources exist?
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Access an editable Word support plan template and customise it for this child
Browse a library of 50+ courses and ready-to-use printables
Find creative therapy resources across art, music, movement and sensory play
Download visual supports and worksheets hyperlinked to printable resources
Use Snapshots and tracking tools to monitor progress
✓ What you get: Editable support plans, 50+ courses, resources, creative therapies, visual supports and tracking tools – all ready to use.
3
Prepare
How do I plan 6-10 weeks of structured work?
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Download session plans linked to creative, impact-driven interventions
Follow a week-by-week sequence or explore child-led interventions like sand trays and expressive arts
Select which interventions you’ll use and what you’ll observe and track
Link sessions back to the Snapshot baseline to measure change
Create a written plan you can share with staff and SENDCos
✓ What you get: Editable 6+ week intervention plans, LEGO®-style literacy lessons, BOUNCE PSHE Learning Journeys, printables and a progress tracker.
4
Support
What training do I need?
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Complete the self-paced Welcome to BOUNCE training on nervous system foundations
Access courses explaining the theory behind what you’re about to deliver
Use downloadable session plans with activity steps and observation prompts
Follow delivery guides with options to adapt to the child’s response
Monitor change through the 2-minute Snapshot tool
✓ What you get: 50+ training videos, pillar-specific modules, downloadable session plans, activity guides and observation prompts.
5
Demonstrate Impact
How do I show what changed?
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Repeat the original Snapshot at the end of your block or at a review point
Complete the Progress Tracker, entering entry and exit data
Create a one-page summary showing parents, teachers and the SENCo what shifted
Have both the numbers and the narrative to communicate results
Use measurable progress to evidence EHCPs, reviews and inspections
✓ What you get: A Snapshot repeat assessment, a progress report, observation guidance, and a structured way to communicate results.
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From a 5-year-old learning to regulate to an 18-year-old building their identity, every session you deliver can be adapted to the child in front of you.
Testimonials
Trusted by professionals
★★★★★
“Your workshops were a highlight of SEND Live 2025. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Lydia Martin
Senior SEND Project Officer
★★★★★
“CTS are SO important in equipping us as professionals with a range of ideas and knowledge to support children and families who feel lost or in the dark.”
Dr Claire Stubbs
Counselling Psychologist
★★★★★
“My absolute go-to when working in a primary school. These resources have made a huge difference to our vulnerable children.”
Debbie
Pastoral Lead
★★★★★
“The whole package of intervention alongside appropriate impact measurement tools is an excellent way to evidence progress and impact.”
Nathan
Professional
★★★★★
“A highly effective and practical tool that benefits both pupils and classroom practice. Real impact on my work supporting pupils with ASN.”
Chloe
Teacher (ASN)
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