St John’s Primary School Partnership with Action for Children’s Roots of Empathy Programme

That the Parliament commends St John’s Primary School in Port Glasgow, which has been at the heart of the community since 1832, on its partnership work with the charity, Action for Children, regarding its Roots of Empathy programme; notes that the programme places a focus on primary school children to build empathy using a unique approach, where a parent and baby (known as a “tiny teacher”) work alongside a trained instructor, guiding the pupils to increase their social and emotional competences while decreasing their levels of aggression; understands that this successful partnership led to a recent visit from their Royal Highnesses' the Earl and Countess of Strathearn to the school; appreciates that those in attendance were captivated by Laura Molloy and her son, Saul, who as well as being the class’s tiny teacher, was also the true star of the visit; acknowledges that, so far, Action for Children has delivered the Roots programme to over 29,000 pupils across 28 local authorities and that a recent independent evaluation recorded a reduction in pupil aggression by 76% and increases in prosocial behaviour by 86%; wishes Action for Children and the Roots of Empathy programme continued success in helping ensure that Scotland’s pupils build their empathy, and congratulates Mr Craig, the acting Head Teacher, and indeed the whole of St John’s for a successful visit that showcased the Roots of Empathy programme and also the vibrant and engaging environment that St John’s creates.