A unique programme, which helps 7-11 year olds develop the necessary social skills to help them in their school and future life, has been developed by the Council’s behaviour support service for use by education staff in schools. The ‘There 4 U’ programme, which provides schools with a range of practical resources including a board game and themed worksheets is designed to promote a greater understanding of children’s friendship issues, collective problem solving and conflict management.
Research has indicated that children who feel rejected by their peers and who lack the social skills to make and maintain friendships can become isolated, lacking in self-esteem, which can lead to inappropriate communication, withdrawal or aggression and a variety of problems in later adolescence and adulthood. Instead, developing social skills and being able to manage conflict leads children to a greater sense of belonging, greater enjoyment of school life and the ability to engage fully with the academic aspects of learning and achieve their full potential.
The programme, which has been funded by the Children’s Fund, has been in development over the last two years including extensive testing in 22 Island schools using tools like The Good Friend Challenge Board Game to encourage children to think and talk together about aspects of friendship.
The programme has been well-received by teachers, parents and children:
“It helped them see ‘the other side of things’ and also gave them an opportunity to reflect more on the consequences of their actions – how other children feel and why some children act/say the things they do.” (Year 5 teacher)
“She feels genuinely less ‘stressed’ about friendships in the last few weeks. I believe she has developed more self-confidence” (parent)
“I’ve learnt that being a friend is fun not boring. I thought that being a good friend makes me feel happy.” (Year 4 pupil)
Councillor Patrick Joyce, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning said, “We want to ensure that every child on the Island has the chance to fulfil their potential and recognise that the social and emotional aspects of learning are as vital as the academic aspects of their education. If we can help children feel included and supported in school it stands to reason that they will achieve more. Staff have worked hard to develop this unique programme and I am certain that it will be a valuable tool for schools on the Island.”