Positive behaviour in the playground: Shieldhill Primary

Why?
Falkirk Council piloted a joint project to improve playground behaviour between Psychological Services, inclusion staff and schools. Shieldhill was keen to take part in the project due to the importance the school places on positive relationships and play. With a large number of pupils in a small playground, it is important to avoid conflict. By giving more responsibility to P7 mediators, training P6 games monitors and developing more activities, the project is able to make a positive impact on the school and its ethos.

What?
The project is based on action research. The school first identified the needs and attitudes of pupils, parents, support and teaching staff. Support staff were then involved in the development and daily organisation of the following activities:

• Introduction of zoning in the playground – ball games in one zone, ‘Donkey Tail’ in another and so on.
• 5 members of staff are selected to monitor the playground at lunchtimes.
• More playground responsibility is given to P7 mediators, house captains and prefects.
• Recruitment of P6 games monitors – supported by staff, they are responsible for setting out and overseeing newly developed games, checking resources and reporting breakages. They act as positive role models for younger children.
• Development of indoor play activities for wet days, such as the ‘wet play’ box for P1-3s with cards, chess, battleships etc.

How do we know it was successful?

• The school reports a marked improvement in participation and behaviour in playground activities.
• The school provides senior pupils with skills in decision-making and collective responsibility.

Factfile
Shieldhill Primary School is situated in Shieldhill, Falkirk and has a roll of 300.

Want to know more?
Contact Janice Collins, Headteacher, shieldhillprimaryschool@falkirk.gov.uk