Childrens services

Bracknell Pyramid Scheme

The Bracknell Pyramid Scheme is a service for children of primary school age to help children fulfil their potential by improving their self confidence and self esteem. Research has shown that children who are withdrawn, have poor social skills or emotional issues can benefit from the opportunity of belonging to a short term therapeutic activity group such as a Pyramid Club. Through early intervention, its aim is to prevent the chances of the children becoming disaffected, excluded or withdrawn in adolescence. There are 3 stages to the project:

Stage 1

All children in Year 3 (age 8-9) within the schools that the scheme operates are assessed by their teachers by use of a checklist to establish any emotional or social needs.

Stage 2

Representatives including the Class Teacher, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Education Welfare Officer, Educational Psychologist, Behavioural Support Service, School Nurse, Head Teacher, Social Worker, Pyramid Scheme Co-ordinator and parents/carers (if they wish) conduct an assessment of the children highlighted in Stage 1 and either recommended to attend a Pyramid club or referred to an alternative agency.

Stage 3

The Pyramid Clubs offer a safe space for children to play, learn new skills, take part in activities and develop positive relationships. They are run by Club leaders and volunteers who are trained to develop childrens confidence and enthusiasm.

Since the Project started in 2004, 143 children have been screened, with 70 selected to attend the clubs and 73 signposted to other agencies for more suitable support. Feedback from the children is instrumental in evaluating their experience of the club. All children reported enjoying activities, that the Club leaders were helpful and fun and that they wanted the club to last longer than 10 sessions.

Pyramid Scheme Testimonials

100% of parents said that their child had fun in the sessions and teachers have also given positive feedback including the following:

"I feel that the whole experience has been a very positive one for the children in terms of them developing self-esteem and confidence and also learning to be part of a group where sharing and communication skills have noticeably improved."

"This has been a most wonderful experience for the children and I know how much they looked forward to the meetings and how much they enjoyed all the activities."

Class Teacher, Crown Wood Primary School

"We have seen the children so motivated that they could hardly wait for the session to start! The positive effect on children’s self-confidence has been amazing and the enthusiasm of those involved has been infectious. It has been a great privilege for Crown Wood pupils to be involved in this scheme, and I look forward to it continuing with the next group(s)".

Head Teacher, Crown Wood Primary School

Service sponsors

The Pyramid Scheme is funded by the Childrens Fund in Bracknell, Berkshire Community Foundation Local Network Fund and The Teenage Pregnancy Implementation Group. It is affiliated to the National Pyramid Trust.

Contact details

East Berkshire Mind runs the Pyramid Scheme in Bracknell Forest with clubs currently available in Crown Wood, Harmanswater, Birch Hill, Great Hollands and Wildridings Primary Schools. For details on becoming a volunteer or other information, please contact the Pyramid Scheme Co-ordinator at the address below.

Pyramid Scheme Coordinator

East Berkshire Mind

The Lodge

Coopers Hill, Bagshot Road

Bracknell

Berkshire

RG12 7QS