The arts council have been busy transforming two, existing benches into colourful, friendship benches to help children feel less lonely at break and lunchtimes. They discussed ideas for the friendship benches and how they will be used by the children at Clapgate. The council knew they wanted the benches to stand out in the playground and so they voted for a multicoloured bench. They set about painting and varnishing them and the finishing touch was to label each bench. There is a bench in the KS1 playground and also a bench in the KS2 playground. The arts council hope that they will be used by children at break and lunchtimes if they are feeling a bit lonely or are in need of someone to play with or talk to. The council wrote a letter to children explaining how the benches will work and this was shared in classrooms with staff and pupils. Since their launch last week they have been getting lots of use!
