Creggan PS wins award

BARNARDO’S NI has given a special award to a Randalstown School for their dedication to the emotional well-being of pupils

Creggan Primary has been awarded ‘SEL Worldwide Model School’ status, after they successfully integrated the ‘PATHS Programme for Schools ’ within everyday life.

This social and emotional learning programme supports children from a young age to raise awareness of their feelings and helps them to develop self-regulation skills.

This prestigious accolade was awarded by Barnardo’s NI in recognition of the outstanding commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being amongst the children.

Karen McIlroy, Principal at Creggan Primary School, said the programme had made an impact.

“The PATHS Programme has really benefited our children by promoting the development of self-esteem and positive behaviour both inside and outside the classroom,” she said.

“The lessons help to develop fundamental social and emotional skills which will enable them to make positive choices throughout life.

“The children love all the fun lessons and learning activities, like being 'Child of the Day' and receiving compliments from other pupils and adults.

“The children, staff and parents are very familiar with the calming strategies and everyone at school has a common framework for discussing feelings and resolving issues.

“It has also had a positive impact on our children's overall attainments - we all know that children learn better when happy!”

Mairead Ewart, Programme Manager at Barnardo’s, said they were ‘extremely proud’ of the way Creggan Primary have made the programme ‘part of the fabric of their school’.