Peer Support in the Primary Playground

Increasingly schools are working very closely with their children, helping them to develop the skills needed to take charge of their own actions and encourage responsible attitudes towards others in the school.

The programme for children outlined in this book, ‘Playground Champions’, is a primary playground peer support initiative which: trains older children to support their peers in solving issues within the playground by focusing on rebuilding relationships rather than apportioning blame; encourages children to see the viewpoint of others and to create their own mutually agreeable solutions; and, helps to establish emotional health and well-being, safety and happiness. The programme is structured, easy to follow and can be used by teachers and teaching assistants within the school. These printable training materials and resources are comprehensive and can be readily adapted to suit the needs of individual children and schools. The programme fits into the current national initiatives such as Every Child Matters, Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL), Citizenship and National Healthy Schools and demonstrates good practice for the annual school self-evaluation form (SEF) and Ofsted. It can also add to the evidence required for the school’s disability equality scheme showing that they are committed to disability equality and eliminating bullying and harassment. When properly implemented it will help to develop confidence and improve self-esteem in pupils as well as improving behaviour and reducing stress, leading to a happier and healthier school environment.

It is suitable for age: 4-11.