Buddies

When children start school they are faced with a completely new environment, with new structures, new routines and new rules.

In Reception, all children are paired with a Year 5 child who has similar interests- they become 'Buddies'. This relationship helps the younger children settle into school and learn from their older peers.

They remain 'Buddies' the following year when they are in Year 1 and 6 which helps them fully develop an understanding of how the whole school community works together.

"Helping young children settle into their first school is a very big responsibility. We meet our Buddies once a week when we have the opportunity to play, read and work with them. This helps them understand the school rules and lets the Reception children know that the older children are there to help them.

We always look forward to seeing our Buddy and it is often a highlight of our week. Most of us remember who our Buddy was when we were in Reception as they were really friendly and helped us a lot." (Year 6 House Captains).