Staff at Muirkirk Primary School in East Ayrshire felt concerned about dysregulated behaviour. Incidents involving name calling and hitting out in the playground were happening more often.

Senior leaders and class teachers spent valuable teaching time resolving playground issues. They did not use consistent language and approaches to addressing incidents of bullying.

What the school did

The headteacher recognised the need to ensure a consistent approach to responding to incidents of bullying. The provision of high-quality professional learning supports this. 

Professional learning

Senior leaders have provided professional learning on building positive relationships and wellbeing. They have adopted a revised health and wellbeing programme and a whole-school approach.

This provides teachers with a consistent approach to help children manage conflict with others. The programme contains lessons across all stages that build on prior learning. This gives a clear progression in knowledge and skills.

Staff feel more confident in supporting children. They help them to develop self-control, emotional awareness, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.

Whole-school approach 

Staff have implemented consistent strategies to support children. These include:

• providing praise
• more regular check-ins with pupils
• the creation of classroom charters
• setting up playground buddies
• creating wellbeing resource boxes
• a shared vocabulary of emotions

Teachers are making good use of resources to support children in regulating their behaviour. This is increasing their understanding of emotions and encouraging them to stop and think before acting.

Involving children and young people

The 'Dinnae Haud Yer Wheest' project complements this programme. This project helps children to identify uncomfortable emotions. It also offers strategies to cope with those emotions. Children are aware that emotions are an everyday part of life and so it is normal to feel sad or anxious or unhappy from time to time.    

The impact and what changed for children and young people 

Data indicates an increase in all aspects of children’s social and emotional learning. There is also a decrease in the number of dysregulated behaviours.

Providing training, guidance and clear processes has had a positive impact on behaviours. This ensures the maintenance of a calm, inclusive learning community.

There have been very few reported bullying incidents over the past few years. There is a strong sense of community, and a nurturing, inclusive environment where everyone has a voice. Preventing bullying incidents and creating a supportive environment ensures everyone feels valued.