Pre-schools and primaries never SEL kids short
Early learning hubs are rewarded by Bernardo’s
Almost 20 schools and preschools in Renfrewshire have now received global recognition for putting children’s social and emotional learning (SEL) at the heart of all they do.
Wallace Primary School and Moorpark and Todholm early learning and childcare centres (ELCC) have recently been given SEL Worldwide Model School status as mark of international excellence.
The school and the early years centres received the award from Barnardo’s after successfully embedding its Paths programme in all areas of school life.
The initiative equips teachers and whole school communities with the skills needed to support children’s mental wellbeing.
Activities are designed to help children’s development in learning to regulate their emotions, boost self-esteem, increase their emotional awareness and teach them problem-solving skills, including within relationships and friendships.
The nursery classes and Wallace Primary pupils were awarded their certificates by Barnardo’s Kristy Fotheringham who has worked closely with staff and children to integrate the Paths approach into everyday learning.
Jennifer Glover, early years graduate at Todholm ELCC, said: “As a team, we have embedded the programme into all areas of the curriculum from developing empathy in our intergenerational partnership experiences with Hunter Hill Care Home residents, to helping children recognise emotions in others.
“Our coach, Kristy, was very supportive, and I would recommend the programme to others in education establishments.
“The programme has helped children and staff develop understanding of equity and how our feelings impact on our actions. Parents have fed back that the programme has guided discussions at home with regards to emotions and behaviours.”
Diana Brooker, depute head teacher at Wallace Primary School and ELCC, agreed, adding: “We are very proud that the Paths
Programme has been embedded across Wallace Primary and early learning and childcare class and has supported children’s development of their social and emotional literacy.
“Securing our award has meant that the hard work of all staff from the ELCC and school has been recognised.”
The programme has led to a huge increase in the number of children meeting the health and wellbeing targets at Moorpark ELCC.
Pauline Thomson, head of centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received the SEL Worldwide Model School Award. This programme has had such a positive impact on staff, children and families who attend our centre.
“The programme is fun and engaging for children, and staff have truly been dedicated to the programme’s delivery, making the characters come alive through engaging curriculum experiences.”
In the past year, Barnardo’s in Scotland provided essential support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 150 specialised community-based services and partnerships across the country.
The Paths programme specifically has already been rolled out to several Renfrewshire schools, with a further 14 having already received the worldwide status award.
Mairead Ewart, programme manager at Barnardo’s, said all of the education settings had created “a culture in which staff and pupils feel valued and nurtured”.
She said: “We are extremely proud of the way these settings have taken the Paths programme and made it part of the fabric of their schools. We’re delighted to work with SEL Worldwide to recognise this achievement.”
In tomorrow and Friday’s edition of the Express we will be showing more pictures from the award celebrations held at Todholm ELCC and Moorpark ELCC.
Engaging