A look at the planning and implementation of the Circle of Friends peer support system, and the way in which it is benefiting primary SEN pupil Ben.
The Circle of Friends system is designed to increase self-esteem, reduce bullying and raise levels of attainment in both SEN children and their peers.
Successful inclusion strategies aim to promote the social and emotional well-being of SEN pupils. Such children are more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers and schools now have a duty of care, enshrined in law.
Some schools use peer support systems and train their buddies according to their function; to help manage conflict, to play with or befriend pupils at break times, help a pupil to access an activity they could not access without help, and also to help manage bullying within school.
