Buddy System

The ‘Buddy System’ was a new initiative introduced in the Summer Term 2009 to give children the opportunity to share concerns with their peers, and to ensure that no one is left on their own at playtimes, unless they wish to be!

‘Playground Buddies’ wear special ‘buddy sashes’ and are stationed near the Copthorne ‘Friendship Stop’ during break time.

Whilst all children at Copthorne are generally very happy, and problems are few and far between, this ‘buddy system’ does give them an opportunity to raise concerns or friendship issues with their peers prior to/or instead of speaking to members of staff.

Buddies have received in-house training on how to deal with certain issues, especially those involving confidentiality, and their work is monitored closely by the Pastoral Care Coordinator.