Barnardo’s-backed award for two more Renfrewshire schools

Two more schools in Renfrewshire have been recognised for putting children’s social and emotional learning at the heart of school life.

Woodlands Primary School in Linwood and Bushes Primary School and ELCC in Paisley have both been awarded ‘SEL Worldwide Model School’ status.

The award recognises schools which have successfully embedded the PATHS Programme for Schools (UK Version) into everyday learning.

The programme, supported by Barnardo’s, is designed to help children develop self-control, emotional awareness and problem-solving skills.

It supports young people from an early age by helping them understand their feelings and build self-regulation skills.

Renfrewshire now has 16 schools and six pre-school settings which have achieved Model School recognition.

Specialist coaches from Barnardo’s support delivery of the programme, with activities aimed at helping children regulate emotions, build self-esteem, improve emotional awareness and strengthen problem-solving skills in friendships and relationships.

Barnardo’s said the programme helps improve the mental health and wellbeing of nursery and primary school pupils.

Staff and pupils from both schools were presented with their awards by a Barnardo’s programme co-ordinator who has been working with schools to help embed the programme into day-to-day life.

Mairead Ewart, Programme Manager at Barnardo’s, said: “To be an SEL Worldwide Model School using the PATHS Programme requires more than to have teachers doing a high-quality job of teaching the lessons in their classrooms.

“These settings have worked to create deeper transformation nurturing whole-school systems change that has included embodying SEL skills in the school’s leadership, using SEL practices throughout the school, creating a school culture in which staff and pupils feel valued and nurtured.

“This creates positive expectations that pupils and staff will utilise SEL skills throughout the school, with peers and adults, and communicating with parents and supporting the ability to use SEL skills at home. We are extremely proud of the way these settings have taken the PATHS Programme and made it part of the fabric of their schools. We’re delighted to work with SEL Worldwide to recognise this achievement.”

Linda Berry, Headteacher at Woodlands Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a PATHS Model School. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils and our whole-school commitment to nurturing emotional wellbeing, positive relationships, and lifelong social-emotional skills.

“The PATHS Programme for Schools (UK Version) has become an important part of our school culture, helping our young people build confidence, resilience and empathy. Earning Model School Status highlights the strength of our community and our shared belief that every child deserves the skills to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.”

Craig McCrorie, Headteacher at Bushes Primary School and ELCC, said: “We, as a school and Early Learning and Childcare Class, are delighted to have achieved SEL Worldwide Accreditation as a PATHS Model School.

“Our pupils, ably led by Mrs Hendry in the school and Mrs McCabe in the Early Learning and Childcare Class, are empowered to develop fundamental social and emotional learning skills that will support them to make positive choices throughout their lives. I am incredibly proud of all our pupils and staff for their hard work and commitment in achieving this award.”

Barnardo’s said it has been helping children, young people and families for more than 150 years.

Last year, the charity said it supported more than 350,000 children, parents and carers through more than 650 services and partnerships across the UK.

In Scotland, it said more than 12,000 children, young people, parents and carers were supported through 160 services.

Photo Credit: Barnardos

Photo Credit: Barnardos

Photo Credit: Barnardos

Photo Credit: Barnardos