At Forest, we are very proud of our friendly, safe and nurturing environment, with our buddy system playing a crucial role in this.
Every week, Reception children and their Year 6 buddies, and Year 1 and their Year 5 buddies, get the opportunity to meet for a catch-up. Children share everything – from what they have been up to outside of school to showing their buddy their incredible learning in class. Additionally, the children read books together and enjoy lively circle games.
Having an older buddy enables our Reception and Year 1 children to feel safe and cared for, while the older pupils feel valued and respected, with all children building their social skills and bonds within Forest. Our buddy system has proved incredibly successful in the past, with children making birthday cards for each other (unprompted) and some (with parental consent and organisation) even meeting outside of school.
It really does add to the warm, family-feeling we have in our school.
