“Buddying”/peer support for school children

A school based training programme for children and staff
Evidence shows that peer group support schemes have a positive influence on the emotional climate of the whole school. This can contribute to a reduction in bullying and a happy playground experience. Children and young people in distress often turn first to a peer for help. “Buddies” can initiate play, befriend isolated pupils, and help their peers to resolve difficulties. To successfully sustain such a scheme, children need specialised training and on-going support from the school.

Aims

To assist schools with setting up a "buddying" scheme.
To train selected children in:

— The role of "the buddy"
— Ways of befriending, and initiating play with children in the playground
— Ways to listen, to support peers and to mediate when appropriate

Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will have attained:

— Increased self-esteem and personal development
— A deeper understanding of the role of peer support
— Active listening skills
— A range of strategies to befriend and support peers in every day interactions
— Skills to help peers play
— A clear understanding of when to involve an adult

The Training Package

Preparation: including a telephone discussion or meeting with the Headteacher/ SENCO ocusing on developing and managing a peer support system. The specific needs of your school will be addressed.

Delivery: Two one-hour group training sessions with the selected children and the SENCO focusing on the above objectives.