“Research shows that children can learn new habits effectively when slightly older children or peers show them the way and give them social support.”

Research Brief, Way of Life - Healthy Friends
 

The buddy will need to:-

• Volunteer time to work alongside younger children
• Be a positive role model and set a good example
• Take charge of setting up relevant equipment for the sessions
• Help to resolve low level conflict issues and refer higher levels to the relevant members of staff
• Reduce the amount of children who “do not want to take part” by providing one to one support
• Encourage participation and raise self esteem through prepared fun activitie

 
Training
 
Staff have received the Buddy Training which looked at the fundamental ideas behind buddying and how it can be incorporated into settings.
It explained the two sessions that the staff will carry out with children. This is to ensure the children understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to being a buddy and also how to use the resources provided.
 
It met the following objectives: -
 

• Understand the need for children’s participation in quality physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
•  Understand the fundamental idea behind the “buddy” system
•  Identify the attributes required to become a successful buddy
•  Understand the recruitment process of buddies
•  Deliver appropriate training to successful applicants

 
Recruitment of buddies

• The children will write a letter outlining the reasons why they think they would be a suitable buddy.
• Two training sessions will then be delivered to outline the roles and responsibilities of the buddies in their settings.
• They will have opportunities to discuss any issues and explore the materials designed for their use.

 
Supporting Materials
 

• Children will be supplied with Buddy Booklets to assist them with their role where they can add their training dates.
• The booklets will act as a reminder of their role