Pathhead primary School update

A Restorative Approach in Pathhead Primary School

Background
In Pathhead Primary School we have initiated a range of strategies to reduce the number of playground incidents. These strategies feature in our Action Plan and are continually being developed and evaluated. In this article, we describe the role and evolution of our Pathhead Pals system.

In the Playground
Given that we know that children import playground disagreements and disputes into the classroom with all that means for classroom discipline, we felt that if we could reduce this flow, we would not just improve the classroom environment but social relationships in general. So, in 2002, we began to explore and develop the role of the Pathhead Pals. The focus for this group is to bring harmony to the playground by playing games with the children, listening to any problems their peers may have and resolving any minor disputes that may occur.

Pathhead Pals
All pupils in P6 and P7 have the opportunity to be a Pathhead Pal and are encouraged to apply for these exciting posts. Once selected the children are then interviewed by a team of staff who work in the playground and, in partnership with our Playground Worker, are given training in conflict resolution skills and how to deliver playground games. The children also have the experience of working in circle time groups giving them the opportunity to learn how to deal with minor disputes.

Staff Responses
The staff, as these comments suggest, have found the Pathhead Pals a great help in maintaining a fun and happy atmosphere in our playground.

“Pathhead Pals are a great help in the playground. They help solve lots of problems and they act in a mature and responsible manner.”

“The Pathhead Pals that I have had contact with in the playground are always well behaved and take their duties seriously. They can often diffuse a situation before it gets out of hand and they do this in a diplomatic manner. I think they are an asset to the school.”

“ It’s good to see Pathhead Pals in the playground. They seem to enjoy their job playing with the children and being helpful”

Pupil Responses
Many children enjoy the importance of the job, wearing a distinguishing blue fleece and cap. They also receive a personal notebook giving details of games they can play and space to write down any incidents that take place. On occasions children have asked to do more than what is required e.g. working daily. Here are their views:

“I like being a Pathhead Pal because I get to help children solve their problems. Being a Pathhead Pal lets me meet new friends. I love being a Pathhead Pal”

“I like being a Pathhead Pal because we help if you have a problem and we can play with you”

“I like being a Pathhead Pal because you play games”

Next Steps
Our Action Plan highlights how our practice is evolving. We need, for example, to train children in mediation skills. More generally, we shall continue raising awareness of restorative approaches throughout the school and the community.

This article can be downloaded with photographs using the link on the right.