School welcomes ‘Buddy Benches’

Westbury Leigh Primary School Council has been successfully running the ‘Playtime Buddy Project’, aiming to provide all children at school with safe and happy play opportunities. 

The group has purchased two outdoor buddy benches. These are a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship in the playground. Children who are feeling lonely will be able to go and sit on the bench and nominate ‘Buddies’ who will ensure they have someone to play with, thus reducing feelings of isolation and encouraging community spirit.

Westbury Town Council generously donated £500 to purchase the school’s new buddy benches. Mr Jones the school’s caretaker and Mrs Murray, one of the teaching assistants helped build them. There is one bench for the Key Stage one playground and one for the Key Stage two playground, both painted in vibrant colours.

Pupils have been making good use of their new seating areas, and children and staff say, “Thank you Westbury Town Council!!”