Starting school can be challenging for many children. This transition can be especially hard for children from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, as often English is not their first language and their parents may be dealing with other issues, such as immigration and living in temporary housing.

I work within the 4-2-7 project at MCFB, which supports children who are struggling with the transition from home or nursery to school. We (a team of qualified social workers and student social workers) recently completed a 12 week block of sessions at Forthview Primary School, working with children who had been finding the transition difficult. The aims of the group were to promote children's language development and emotional well-being and to increase their ability to build and sustain friendships both inside and outside school. We provided a safe and nurturing environment within the school for a small group of 8 children. There were opportunities for circle time, storytelling and arts and crafts, all tailored around the interests and needs of the children. 

Getting to know each other

During the first session we introduced and created images of ourselves. We then discussed and agreed what would happen each week. Introducing the element of routine helped the children to develop trust so that they felt safe and ready to learn. 

In the weeks that followed we used a range of activities. Each child reacted differently to each activity. In the early stages, we used playdough for its wonderful sensory qualities. Playing with playdough can help children relax and feel calm. It can also be used to help develop motor skills and to encourage the use of imagination and creativity. The children in the group enjoyed talking about what they were making, which helped them to develop language skills. Some children took a keen interest in what others in the group were doing and friendships started to develop as a result.

Painting proved to be a popular activity, and we know that playing with paint can be a comforting and soothing experience and can be used to help develop an awareness and appreciation of beauty. Some of the children in the group showed pride in their skills and achievements and for some there were opportunities to develop self-restraint, problem solving and decision making skills. Painting in groups promotes children's social development and imagination, providing an opportunity for them to observe their peers and share interests. The children learned to take turns and share, whilst also talk about colours, shapes and share their ideas with adults and peers.

As the weeks progressed, other activities were introduced, such as reading stories and making models of Elmer the Elephant. Elmer is mulit-coloured and is different to other elephants, but we learned that being different is okay, and that everyone is special.

Endings

At the end of the 12 sessions, we presented each child with a personalised certificate and a gift bag filled with arts and crafts materials to use at home.

Over the course of the 12 weeks at Forthview, the children were able to identify and talk about their feelings. We shared their feelings of pride in their achievements. We were always there to help, if needed, but we believed in the children's abilities to problem solve and resolve issues amongst themselves. We enjoyed laughing with the children and we enjoyed each other's company. We expressed our sadness at the ending of the group, but we also pointed out to the children all the wonderful qualities they had developed as a result of being in the group.

When we asked the children what they thought about starting school, answers ranged from "I was a little scared of all the people, but it is fun" to "I asked my mum when am I going to go to school?" and "I am happy when my mum picks me up".

Marayanne Barclay, Depute Headteacher at Forthview, said:

"The children got so much from taking part and teachers have started noticing positive changes in the class, too.”

Deidre Payne, 27th May 2019

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You can help us by simply purchasing an item from our arts and crafts Amazon Wishlist here. We can use these items to make up more arts and crafts bags to give to the children we support. Thank you.

Working with primary schools in Edinburgh

If you are interested in partnering with us to deliver this program at your primary school, please get in touch with Kate McEvoy.