Buddies

At Jarrow Cross, we believe in nurturing a caring, supportive, and inclusive community where every child feels valued and can flourish. One of the special ways we live out our vision of “Encourage one another and build each other up” is through our buddies, which foster friendship, support, and role-modelling between our oldest and youngest children.

What are Buddies?

Our Year Six children take on the important role of being buddies to our Reception children. Buddies help Reception children settle confidently into school life and feel part of the Jarrow Cross family from their very first days.

How Buddies Support Each Other

• Buddy time: Year Six and Reception buddies meet regularly for Buddy Time over the lunchtime period, engaging in a variety of outdoor activities that help build strong, trusting relationships. These shared moments promote social skills, kindness, and a sense of belonging.
• Buddy reading: Year Six buddies regularly support the Reception children with their academic development by listening to them read and by sharing stories for pleasure.
• Role models throughout the school day: Year Six buddies support their Reception partners beyond Buddy Time by acting as positive role models during worships, playtimes, and across the school day. This visible support helps Reception children feel safe, confident, and encouraged as they explore their new environment.
• Buddy lunch: From time to time, buddies enjoy lunch together, offering further opportunities for connection and friendship in a relaxed setting.
• Supporting enrichment activities: Year 6 buddies are sometimes able to accompany the Reception children on trips out of school, helping the children to feel safe and secure in unfamiliar environments.

Embodying Our Vision and Values

Our buddies beautifully reflect the Christian values at the heart of Jarrow Cross CofE Primary School:

• Trust Reception children learn to trust their Year Six buddies over time, seeing them as dependable and caring. This creates a secure foundation for learning and social development.
• Honesty The relationships formed are rooted in honesty and respect, ensuring every child feels heard and valued. Older buddies show honesty in small but meaningful ways. These moments help Reception children to understand that being honest is a strength.
• Friendship Reception children are often nervous when starting school. A Year Six buddy gives them a friendly face, helping them to feel secure, included and valued from day one.
• Forgiveness Year Six buddies can model how to respond when mistakes are made – by saying sorry, forgiving others and moving on – teaching Reception children these important relational skills.

This experience not only benefits Reception children but also enriches our Year Six buddies, helping them develop leadership skills, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Why Buddies Make Jarrow Cross Special

Our buddies are just one example of how Jarrow Cross CofE Primary School creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. They help prepare our children for life in a diverse and ever-changing world by encouraging them to look outwards with kindness and understanding.