At St Mary’s we believe in fostering strong relationships across all year groups, and our Reception and Year Six Buddy strategy is a wonderful example of this. Each Reception child is paired with a Year Six buddy, creating a special friendship that supports learning, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Together, buddies share a variety of enriching experiences that connect them with our local community and school life. They enjoy visits to local landmarks such as the Pumpkin Picking Field and a nearby working farm, where they explore and learn outside the classroom. These opportunities help Reception children engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.

Year Six buddies also support Reception children with reading for pleasure activities, helping to nurture a love of books and storytelling from an early age. They chaperone their younger friends on visits to St Mary’s Church, deepening their understanding of our school’s Christian ethos and community spirit.

Through these activities and many others, our Buddy strategy ensures that Reception children fully access all that St Mary’s has to offer, while Year Six children develop leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility. This special partnership enriches the school experience for both age groups and embodies our values of respect, curiosity, and community.