Circles of Friends

Circle of Friends is an effective approach for supporting the inclusion of vulnerable and troubled children in primary and secondary schools. It is a successful tool in preventing the exclusion of a challenging child from school and supports the social and emotional development of all those involved. Children develop their skills of talking and listening, negotiating, problem-solving, expressing and managing their emotions.

Gill Taylor, Educational and Family Psychologist, pioneered this approach in UK schools in the early 1990s as a way of supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural needs. She has a national reputation as a leading speaker, consultant and trainer in this area of work.

	Speaking at conferences to introduce the approach;
	Training events for groups of staff;
	Advising and consulting within schools and settings to support staff in implementing this approach

	Philosophy and aims;
	Deciding to create a Circle of Friends;
	Class discussion;
	Selection of circle;
	First circle meeting;
	Roles of external facilitator and circle facilitator;
	Weekly circle meetings;
	Managing the ending process;
	Making a difference at school and home;

For more information about these resources, please email: gill@calyx.uk.com