A primary school has installed three benches that it hopes will make pupils get along better.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Ian Johnston, pictured right with pupils and staff, was invited to Libanus Primary School in Blackwood to officially cut the ribbon and unveil the three new ‘Buddy Benches’.
The school introduced the benches as part of their positive behaviour policy and to ensure that children who are upset, have no one to play with or who wish to talk about a concern, can find someone to talk to.
Children who are lonely or shy are sending out a clear message that they want to be offered friendship by sitting on the benches.
Pupils at the school also have to agree to play with anyone sitting on the bench and a few older children may even be selected to be on ‘buddy duty’.
The benches have been funded by and donated to the school by AJM Schoolwear, UHY Hacker Young and a former teacher at Libanus Primary School, Sian Curtis.
Stupid idea! This policy will create a stigma for being alone. No one will sit on these benches. That is one charity I will not donate to.