A fairy is asking children to have faith in her tales to help eradicate bullying in primary schools.
Neath Port Talbot Anti Bullying Partnership (NPTABP)are leading the way in developing new initiatives to help four, five and six-year-olds understand the emotions of others.
Faithe the Fairy has been created by the NPTABP to get across their anti bullying message in a way that little ones can understand.
Huw Davies, chair of NPTABP, said Faithe has her own identity and will become a much loved character in Neath Port Talbot schools.
“The puppet was developed to complement the good work which is currently being carried out in our schools,” he said. “She will be working with groups of pupils and individuals to help them understand the need to taking into consideration the thoughts, feelings and emotions of their friends.”
Bullying affects a staggering 31% of people in their lifetime and can affect different children in different ways, but more often than not the youngster can feel lonely, isolated and often inferior to their peers.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough schools have developed a number of policies to help identify victims of bullying and help tackle the issue.
They also form part of the Neath Port Talbot Anti-Bullying Partnership who works with schools, educational establishments and the community to support and help young people.
Mr Davies said their policies in Secondary schools have won critical acclaim. Faithe the Fairy has been developed to target younger children and increase their understanding of what is classed as bullying.
He said: “Teachers and education officers appreciate that we need to tailor the activities which promote anti bullying messages to suit the children’s age and we thought that a puppet was the best way to promote these messages to very young children.”
The partnership launched Faithe the Fairy at the start of the school term and already her tales are helping foundation phase pupils understand the anti bullying messages.
As part of Anti Bullying Week, Faithe the Fairy visited several schools, including Pen Afan Primary School, to promote the Anti Bullying message.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Ali Thomas said he has met Faithe and is confident she will become a positive feature in county borough classrooms.
He said: “Promoting the well being of pupils has always been high on our agenda and providing curriculum help develop meaningful friendships.”
