Interpersonal / Social Skills Training for KS2 children

[Brandnewbrighttomorrow]

Does anyone know of groups or companies that run interpersonal /social skills training for KS2 children?

We have one particularly difficult class at our school (they've just finished year 4) with a couple of kids with special needs that are being assessed - their behaviour has had a huge impact on the group but more generally the class struggle to get along as a group socially. There has been evidence of bullying and just a lot of the 'you're not my friend if you're friends with X' within the boys and girls - just looking into what is available to be able to assess cost and potential benefit for me to be able to approach the school and suggest it's something that they implement for KS2 as a whole. Money possibly available from the PTA to cover it.

Ask your Educational psychologist for advice. They are the experts. Most schools access this advice from services available to schools from the LA, or Learning Trust or Academy Trust. Can you not access anything? What skills and contacts does the Head have?

My son's school bring in a very qualified and really lovely Family Support Worker to do group and individual work with children who may be struggling. They also have Mindfulness sessions run by the SENDCO.

They're a lucky school, having parents taking this approach rather than fuming about their little darlings being affected by other little monsters. Good luck and I hope a plan comes together.

Thanks - I know that the class has been observed by an educational psychologist, I don't know what the outcome was.

I don't think that the issues in the classroom are all to do with the kids with SN - there are a lot of chiefs in there and there's just so much conflict throughout the class - I feel for the kids to have to be stuck in a group that they really don't get on with and wondered if some social skills and conflict management training in particular might be beneficial.

The FSW doesn't deal exclusively or even primarily with kids with SEN. She does support them, but over resilience/emotional issues. She also helps kids who need support in managing emotions and social skills for all sorts of reasons. I don't know what is available locally, but she sets a very good tone in school where that's necessary, I think. Maybe worth asking?

If the school has an ELSA this is something they could use hours to support. If the school doesn't have an ELSA maybe a strong TA could be put on the training.

Are you a parent? If so, I'm not sure it will be easy for you to make suggestions. It's unlikely the school isn't aware of the issue- it will affect progress so they will be concerned.

Yes, I'm a mum with several children at the school. I have a good relationship with the teacher and head so will talk to them about the suggestions and see what they say.

Has your school used Lego Therapy? Worth looking into. If implemented by appropriately trained staff, it can work wonders on social dynamics with children who have SN as well as those who don't. There's a particularly strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. It's highly structured to bring about change in the dynamics as well as changes in how individuals interact / feel that they have a place within a group. It may be worth looking into for your school.