Yohden Primary School offers a lot in terms of peer support. Our wonderful KS2 children rose to the challenge and have become playtime and lunchtime Mentors!
The children had to undergo an interview process, which consisted of a job application and an interview with Mrs Mitchell and our Governor Mrs Roberts. We were overwhelmed with the amount of application forms we received and with the mature and thoughtful way in which they had been completed.
As a result of this we now have children from Years 3 to 6 trained as Mentors who thoroughly enjoy their responsibility and are very enthusiastic. They are invaluable to the school and do a wonderful job in the dinner hall and supporting children on the yard.
Positive Playtimes
We believe that it is highly important that we provide our pupils with every opportunity to strive for excellence and reach their potential at all times, playtimes being no exception.
We also believe that negative behaviour is a symptom of boredom or lack of stimulation therefore we strive to make playtimes as enjoyable for our pupils as possible.
As a result of achieving the enhanced healthy schools award the school was given funding to purchase new playground equipment. After meeting with school council the children compiled a list of possible resources they would like to improve their playtimes which were purchased according to the budget.
As well as resources the school now employ 6 play leaders who encourage and motivate the children to participate in a range of activities during lunch breaks.
Lunchtime Charters
The school places a lot of emphasis on developing skills and talents which is why professional development is very important. In March 2012 Bev Nobel was invited into school to lead some training with lunchtime staff. The training was delivered in two parts the aims of the training were to:
- Make lunch time as enjoyable as possible for both children and adults
- For adults in school to create a climate of respect and dignity for children in accordance with the new OFSTED guidance
- To formulate a lunch time charter involving both adults and children
The lunchtime charter was produced following the training which highlights our expectations of children’s behaviour at lunch time as well as our expectations of the adults in school. This is what it looks like…
