A Therapeutic Active Listening Assistant (TALA) is a specialist teaching assistant who has been trained by educational psychologists to support children experiencing emotional or social difficulties.
TALA offers an emotionally safe and supportive space in which pupils can explore their feelings and experiences. They are heard by the practitioner on a deep level using active listening. Practitioners listen to a child's views, experiences and feelings without judgement in an atmosphere of respect and empathy based on a secure and trusting working relationship.
The child has a regular slot during the week for a targeted period of time (around 30-45 mins). It usually runs for around six weeks but can be longer. Sessions are confidential, offering the child an opportunity to talk about things that concern them.
The sessions are one to one and are very pupil led, involving play-based activities where required.
Not only does TALA offer a child a safe place to talk, it supports them in many other areas:
Before speaking to your child's class teacher about support available in school, we ask all parents to access the resources and advice available below. We hope that the resources and advice will provide tools to help you teach your child strategies to manage these challenges.