Supporting Our Youngest Pupils

At Ashbourne Primary School, our Reception Buddies play an important role in supporting our youngest children as they settle into school life.

All pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 have the opportunity to become buddies, taking on this responsibility as positive role models for younger children across the school.

Our Role

Reception Buddies support younger pupils during lunchtimes and playtimes, helping to create a safe, caring and supportive environment.

Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting children in the hall at lunchtime
• Helping younger pupils to cut up food and clear their trays
• Promoting good manners and positive behaviour
• Supporting children to develop independence (e.g. putting on coats and zipping them up)
• Helping younger pupils to find their belongings
• Leading and organising playground games
• Being a kind, friendly and approachable role model

Developing Responsibility and Care

Being a Reception Buddy provides pupils with opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and responsibility
• Show kindness and care towards others
• Build confidence and communication skills
• Support younger pupils in becoming independent

Reception Buddies are selected because they demonstrate a caring attitude and a commitment to being a positive role model within our school community.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our Reception Buddies programme supports our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop communication skills through supporting and interacting with younger children
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils learn patience, responsibility and how to respond positively in different situations
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils help younger children feel safe, included and part of the school community

How to Spot a Buddy

Reception Buddies are easy to identify. They wear:

• A special buddy bib

This ensures they can be easily recognised by younger children who may need support.