At Steyning CofE Primary, the Caterpillars staff run a “Playground Buddies scheme”. This is where the children from Year 5 and 6 can choose to enrol as a peer buddy supporting the children in Early Years Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2 during lunchtimes. The children are required to fill in an “application form” for the job stating their qualities and why they think they would be suitable. They are then selected and given training to help them fulfil their role. Our Buddies work on a rota system where they are on duty once or twice a week.

The aim of the Playground buddy is to encourage children to be good role models. This plays an important part in creating a friendly, happy and nurturing lunchtime environment. It also gives them a feeling of responsibility and the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the school values and rules. Not only do they help to make the playground a happy place for all the children, they also offer great help to the staff on duty at lunch.

What is their role?

• To be friendly and approachable to the younger children

• Patient, helpful and caring - helping lonely children make new friendships

• A good listener when another child wants to talk

• Resolve minor problems

• Think of playground games 

• Report any unkind things to an adult

• To be a good friend

• Take responsibility for different areas of the playground e.g cars and pipes, lego, drawing and chalk, Music and dancing. 

As a reward for their hard work the Playground Buddies will get to join Mrs Harrison our Head Teacher for a well deserved afternoon tea in her office.

How do we spot them?

The buddies will be wearing a bright red baseball cap!

Comments and views of some of the children who have been helped by our Playground Buddies:

“The playground buddies are nice to me and help me make friends.” Ethan

“They help us be happy.” Willow 

“They play games with us.” Vinne 

“They play with me and my friends.” Betsy

“They help you when you fall over and take you to a teacher.” Bobby

“They go around and play with people who are lonely”. Luca

“They help you do the right thing if you are doing something wrong”. Connor