A PORT Glasgow nursery is one of the first in Scotland to be recognised with a special status for their dedication to emotional wellbeing.

St John's has been working on an international programme run by leading children's charity Barnardo's delivering social and emotional learning.

St John's now have an SEL Worldwide Model Pre School award thanks to their outstanding commitment to overall wellbeing, which includes looking at raising awareness of feelings from a young age and helping develop self-regulation skills.

Greenock Telegraph: St John's Nursery award

Barnardos coaches have delivered the exciting project with some help from star guest, Twiggle the Turtle.

St John's depute head Donna Buirds, said: “We are delighted to be presented with this award and to be recognised as an SEL Worldwide Model pre-school.

"There has been some great work that has been happening over the last two years in St John’s Nursery around social and emotional learning.

"It feels even more special as we are one of the first nurseries in Scotland to be recognised in this way.

“Our staff have worked really hard to integrate the programme into our play environment and to embed the objectives into our daily interactions with the children.

"This has had a positive impact our children’s social skills and their ability to recognise and manage their emotions. We have also had positive feedback from our families and parents.

“I would like to thank Inverclyde Council and Barnardo’s as without their assistance we would not have been able to achieve this award. And an extra special thank you goes to the amazing staff team in the nursery – they really are a cut above the rest!”

This prestigious SEL Award is bestowed by Barnardo’s in recognition of the outstanding commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall wellbeing amongst school children.

Delivery of the programme is supported by specialist coaches from Barnardo’s.

Activities are designed to help children’s development in learning to regulate their emotions, boost self-esteem, increase their emotional awareness and teach them problem-solving skills. This includes within relationships and friendships, with the aim of improving the mental health of nursery and primary school pupils.

Barnardo's Children Services Manager Hazel Russell said: “We are extremely proud of the way this setting has taken the PATHS® Programme and made it part of the fabric of their setting. We’re delighted to work with SEL Worldwide to recognise this achievement.”

Convener of Education and Communities, Councillor Jim Clocherty, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at St John’s Nursery and I commend them for their hard work in winning this award.

Inverclyde’s Young People’s Champion, Councillor Kirsty Law, said: “I am very proud that St John’s is one of the first nurseries in Scotland to receive this prestigious award and I would like to congratulate everyone involved for this achievement.”