Two more Renfrewshire schools earn Barnardo's wellbeing award

Woodlands Primary School in Linwood and Bushes Primary School and ELCC in Paisley have received SEL Worldwide Model School status for embedding the PATHS® Programme for Schools (UK Version), which promotes social and emotional learning (SEL).

Supported by children’s charity Barnardo’s, the programme helps children develop self-control, emotional awareness and interpersonal problem-solving skills.

The status is awarded by Barnardo’s in recognition of the outstanding commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and overall well-being amongst school children.

Two more schools in Renfrewshire have been recognised by Barnardo's (Image: Barnardo’s)

Two more schools in Renfrewshire have been recognised by Barnardo's (Image: Barnardo’s)

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."

There are now 16 schools and six pre-school settings in Renfrewshire that have achieved Model School recognition.

Staff and pupils from each school were presented with their award by a programme co-ordinator from Barnardo’s, who has been working closely with schools to help staff embed the programme into everyday learning.

Two more schools in Renfrewshire have been recognised by Barnardo's (Image: Barnardo’s)

Two more schools in Renfrewshire have been recognised by Barnardo's (Image: Barnardo’s)

Linda Berry, headteacher at Woodlands Primary, 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 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."