Barnardo’s NI awards local Derry Primary Schools for their dedication to the emotional wellbeing of pupils

Ballykelly Primary School and Faughanvale Primary School are excelling in putting children’s social and emotional learning (SEL) at the heart of all they do and recently received global recognition through Barnardo’s NI.  

The schools have been awarded ‘SEL Worldwide Model School’ status, after they successfully integrated the ‘PATHS® Programme for Schools (UK Version)’ within everyday life. This social and emotional learning (SEL) 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 school children. 

Alana Willis, Principal at Ballykelly Primary School said: "We are thrilled to be named a SEL Worldwide Model School. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support from our parents and community. Embracing the PATHS® Programme for Schools (UK & NI Version) has transformed our approach to education, prioritizing emotional well-being alongside academic success." 

(Above) - Ballykelly PS – The principal Alana Willis with Twiggle.

Karen Feeney, Primary 5 Teacher at Faughanvale Primary School said: “I love teaching the PATHS® Programme for Schools and my pupils love the lessons! I’ve seen that the children are more able to regulate their feelings. Not only their own, but I love the way they help each other calm down and help each other solve problems they may be experiencing. Through the teaching of the programme children know that all feelings are OK, but all behaviours are not OK, they understand we have comfortable and uncomfortable feelings. The activities provided are engaging and encourage the students to participate. The ‘Pupil of the Day’ is a really positive experience and boosts self-esteem and confidence.”  

Mairead Ewart, Programme Manager at Barnardo’s said: “To be a SEL Worldwide Model School using the PATHS® Programme requires more than having teachers doing a great job of teaching the lessons in their classrooms. These schools have worked hard to create transformative and nurturing education settings, creating a school culture in which staff and pupils feel valued and embodying social and emotional learning skills in all aspects of school life. We are extremely proud of the way Ballykelly Primary and Faughanvale Primary have taken the PATHS® Programme and made it part of the fabric of their schools.” 

Delivery of the programme is supported by specialist coaches from Barnardo’s. Activities are designed to help children’s development in learning to regulate their emotions, boost self-esteem, increase their emotional awareness and teach them problem-solving skills, including within relationships and friendships, improving the mental health of nursery and primary school pupils.  

There are now 46 schools that have achieved Model School recognition in Northern Ireland, with the programme currently running in 222 schools.