Buddies and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
Our Playground Buddies are a great help to our school:
- They are there for other children, when they need them.
- They are friends to those who are lonely.
- They are comforters to anyone who gets hurt.
- They are there to start up games.
- They also set a good example for others.
Primary Peer Mentoring (Buddies)
At Rose Street we operate a Buddy scheme. The aim of Buddies is to have older children helping the younger ones to have positive experiences of playtime.
Children from Years 4 and 5 apply to be Buddies to children in the KS1, KS2 and Year R playgrounds. They will have demonstrated why they would make good Buddies and what skills they can bring to the scheme. Once appointed, Buddies operate on a rota basis, spending lunch breaks in the individual playgrounds, organising and playing games, assisting children who are having friendship issues and generally ensuring all children have a happy and enjoyable playtime.
Irene Montgomery from Project Salus has trained groups of children within the school to become peer mentors.
Potential outcomes for individuals and educational settings include:
- Improved communication skills
- Increase in self-esteem and confidence
- Encourages and develops peer relationships
- Increase ability to understand and empathise with others
- Develop decision making skills
- Develop conflict resolution skills
- Instil a sense of responsibility
- Develop a sense of community and belonging
- Improved behaviour
- Improved attendance
- Reduction in bullying