Pastoral Support in School

Playground Buddies

We at SMSJ value children’s play and understand this is essential to their development because it contributes to the cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing. It is particularly important for children’s mental health, reducing stress and giving a sense of calm and simply making them happier.

Our play buddies are from Year 5 classes. They initially submit an application form about themselves, explaining why they feel they would make an excellent play buddy. Once they are selected, they complete a four-week training programme.

Have a look at these in training by visiting the children tap and looking under 'pupils as leaders' section.

Playtime buddies help set up the playtime equipment outside on KS1 playground. They lead some games with and without equipment, to benefit our children’s time outside. These games encourage team work, courage, resilience and communication between children. Our play buddies, most importantly, act as wellbeing ambassadors and always ensure that no child is on their own. They make sure play times are fun, which helps to also make behaviour great! There is a weekly rota for the buddies, so they know which day they help out.

Team Dojos

Your child we be put into a dojo team at the start of their academic year with others from their class and across school. Their names are, Fizzlepop, Dynamic Daxter, Blaze, Wumbus and Firecracker.

Dojo points are an excellent motivational tool for children and help to reinforce our school rules and values They are awarded by staff members for any actions that may be deemed noteworthy including:

• particularly good work

• good effort

• a positive attitude to learning and towards others

• displaying exceptional manners

• good behaviour both individually and collectively

Targets & Rewards

Each class has a DOJO target of 1000 points. Once the target has been reached, the class receive a fun and exciting reward which is well planned and well-resourced by the class teachers/TAs. Examples of fun activities might be a themed day (linked to topic), papier mache, junk modelling, musical instruments, messy science, games and cooking.

At the end of each term, the Dojo team winners take part in an afternoon of fun activities. This is a great opportunity to meet up with other classes and meet new friends who are also supporting the same team!