The role of the Playground Pals is to support and develop play opportunities on the playground and help children who may be struggling to find someone to play with enjoy their playtimes. The job of a Playground Pal is more complex than might be at first recognised. It requires pupils to step outside themselves and play a role, while still remaining familiar and accessible to other children, for this reason the children selected as Playground Pals engage in a week long training programme that includes:

• The importance of letting people join games and not excluding people
• The feelings that occur when we join a new group of people
• How to be safe and fair
• Observing the busy play setting
• Speaking assertively and speaking in an inclusive and welcoming way
• How to be a good listener
• Games that are effective on the playground

The children are visible on the playgrounds at lunch and break time each day.