Meet the buddy bench.

Young North Public School has embraced this concept as part of their Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach. 

Teacher Suzanne Kirkwood said the buddy bench formed part of the weekly PBL teaching focus.

“While it is a bright and fun addition to our playground we will be supporting students  with explicit instruction about how our Buddy Benches works,” she said.

The Buddy Bench, according to Suzanne is as follows:

* A very special place that reminds you to be your kindest selves.

* A place to sit and decide what looks interesting to you to play on the playground.

* A place to include people in your play and make new friends.

*A place to say "YES!" to friends who ask you to play. 

School principal Kel Smerdon said he loved the concept.

“Once again PBL supports our school to utilise welfare data to target evidenced-based needs,” he said.

“Our Poistive Behaviour for Learning Team identified a need for students who may need some extra support finding a person to play with and find that friend who is keen to help.

“What better way is there than for students to be in the best place to make this happen themselves,” Mr Smerdon said.