A Circles of Friends Approach with Socially Neglected Children

Summary

This article describes an adapted approach to setting up and running a ‘circle of friends’, for a pupil identified as neglected by her Year 8 peers. The method outlined is particularly suitable for pupils who feel sensitive about their lack of friends, rather than those who are rejected by their peers and show behavioural difficulties. The technique does not single out the target pupil to the other pupils as someone who is in need of help. Instead friendship is facilitated in a rather more subtle way.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gillian Shotton

This piece,of work was carried out whilst on placement as a trainee educational psychologist in Leeds EPS. Gillian Shotton now works in North Yorkshire based at Harrogate.