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After reading about 'PALS' in this week's issue of Nursery World, I have done a little research and am really interested in taking this forward in my setting. The only problem is it costs £200 for the pack, I can't afford to buy it out of my own money, and have prioritised outdoor provision, for fundraising this year. Does anyone have any experiences of using this programme - positive or negative. What does it entail ? How is each session planned?

Thanks all, for your help x

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soz would love to help but have no idea about 'PALS' Would be prepared to spread the cost if benefit to he setting and children!

toadie

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Hi

 

I work in a day nursery in Hillingdon which is where they have embraced this scheme. My nursery is going to be introduced to PALS by a visit from our Inclusion Officer from Hillingdon Early Years Team in early June with a view to the nursery taking part in the scheme. I'll let you know more when i know more.

 

Sam

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Thanks- please keep me informed. Have done a bit more research today, can't afford to pay for it myself, and tbh the seting has other priorities like pens and pencils! I guess we could do some more fundraising but as a team have agreed that outdoor quip. is a desperate need. I can see I'll end up putting it on my credit card, am trying to discipline myself and cut down on buying 'school stuff'. Anyone actually used it and think it's worth the money, or give me ideas about how the sessions are structured ?

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Hi

There is an article in this weeks nursery world but try looking at http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/news/whatsnew/pals/index.php

 

The first few lines from this website say:

 

The playing and learning to socialise (PALS) programme is a research-based social skills programme designed by clinical psychologists and early childhood teachers for use in nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups.

 

The programme teaches children from three to six years of age about greeting others, listening, sharing, taking turns, dealing with feelings of fear, sadness and anger, and solving problems. Successful personal, social and emotional development is critical for very young children in all aspects of their lives and gives them the best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning.

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Any more Hillingdon folk around to give me some advice? Somebody somewhere must be able to give me some feedback, positive or negative before I abuse the credit!!!

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This certainly does look interesting and I too could not afford it. It would be great to hear others' experiences though. Would one possible line of funding be through your LEA? Maybe they haven't heard about it. Could you forward the link to your Area Senco?

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Thanks- tried that, but they are pushing 'SEAL' DFes thing.

Cn't wait to hear from any practitioners who have used PALS...

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So I have spent all night, writing scenarios for puppets to complement the SEAL materials -silly me did it by hand, and now need to start typing, might be finished this time next year! Anyone in Hillingdon (or anywhere) can to tell me about pros and cons of PALS, especially in relation to SEAL.

SEAL is whole school thing, but I'm not particularly happy with it, we don't go to the SEAL assemblies for starters (not that I want to), so that aspect not particularly useful, I like the learning objectives/outcomes though. PLEEEASSSSEEEE, anyone - if I do decide to purchase PALS it's a big outlay.

Thanks x

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Hi

 

Work in a small day nursery in Hillingdon and we have agreed to 'have a go' with PALS. our Early Years Inclusion person visited this evening to introduce PALS. So here goes...

 

My immediate understanding of what she said (I haven't yet read the accompany literature - 2 booklets) Is that it is a set of 10 prescribed 'lessons' aimed at 3-6 year olds in small groups of around 4-6 that the setting deem are experiencing a range of behaviour from - low self esteem to physically challenging behaviour.

Each 20/30 minute session follows a scripted scenario between puppets (very nice Australian animals, Koala, Kookabara (Sp?) etc) which have names.

The early session begins basically with 'greetings' and move along a variety of common behaviour areas such as sharing, taking turns, expressing feelings etc.

Each session reflects back on the previous session before beginning the next session.

One or ideally two practioners need to present each session (children have been known to disclose during sessions) and parents must give permission and build on session at home.

Rest of settings team also need knowledge of each session to re-inforce.

Before beggining the group, children are assessed on a pre-printed form which lists approximately 26 possible 'behaviours' needing support - an 'Occasionally, Sometimes, Always' type tick list - If a child in a setting ticks around 12 sometimes/always boxes - the PALS course should be suitable and help them. After 10 weeks and following observations the children should be assessed again. The information which does not include children's names is sent to the Early Years Inclusion Officer.

According to our Inclusion Officer, Hillingdon have seen dramatic improvement in behaviour of those children who have been included.

We are planning to read the information pack, select suitable members of staff to lead it and shortly begin a 10 week 'course'.

The puppets of which there were 3 or 4 were good quality, mouths move not just 'nodding head' type, DVD, CD - some songs support certain scenarios - and literature and guidance come in a 'flight type' holdall. Fortunately - to us it was free.

Sorry I've waffled on and I hope I've made sense!! :o

I'll let you know how we/the children get on.

 

Sam

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