Reception Play Buddies

Children in Year 6 are chosen to support play within our Reception classes. Year 6 'play buddies' are trained and supported by the Reception team to enhance play within the continuous provision.

This might include playing simple board games with the children, modelling turn taking, taking part in problem solving activities within the builders' yard or sharing stories in our reading areas. As the year progresses, these 'buddies' support the children by practising their common exception words (CEWs) using a Precision Teaching approach.

This initiative is mutually beneficial; our younger children are delighted to have older role models within their setting, and the Year 6 'buddies' develop their own empathy and leadership skills, identifying difficulties if they arise and knowing when to seek adult advice. Working across the federation in this way supports the idea that our school is 'one journey' and reduces any anxiety the younger children may have had about moving to the Juniors.