How are Elderbrook School using Peerscroller?
At Elderbrook School in Warwickshire, Headteacher Jennifer Dunn and her pastoral team are always looking for ways to help learners feel confident discussing issues that matter to them. They've built Peerscroller into their existing approach, from informal discussion groups to PSHE lessons and individual support.
So, what's working well, and what can other schools learn from their approach?
Tips from Elderbrook School for Embedding Peerscroller
Build on existing initiatives
"The pupil and staff could immediately see the benefit of using the platform.”
Elderbrook has embedded Peerscroller into established initiatives at their school like Spill the Tea and Beef and a Brew. Because these sessions already give learners a relaxed space to discuss their worries, staff could introduce the platform with a clear purpose and an immediate connection to existing practice.
Use relatable content to get conversations started
“Seeing other people, like themselves, talk so openly about issues that affect them, has given our pupils the boost they need to talk about their own worries.”
Elderbrook's learners engage well with open and honest discussions about issues that matter to them. Staff have found that seeing young people speak openly about these topics can give learners the confidence to share their own worries, including things they might otherwise find difficult to talk about.
Connect content to curriculum and school life
Elderbrook has worked with the Peerscroller team to map relevant videos against its PSHE curriculum, helping staff identify content that supports their existing teaching. The team also uses the video library to support whole-school theme days and weeks, as well as SMSC and cultural events.
This allows staff to draw on relevant content across different areas of school life, rather than limiting its use to PSHE lessons.
Tailor support to individual needs
“The types of discussions that we have facilitated are varied and have ranged from self-care to safeguarding.”
Alongside whole-class learning, Elderbrook uses regular Team Around the Child meetings to identify individual pupils and small groups who might benefit from particular videos. This gives staff the flexibility to select content that reflects learners' needs and supports a range of discussions.
Keep staff learning together
“Our pastoral team are the driving force behind the embedding of the platform…”
Elderbrook's pastoral team are central to embedding Peerscroller across the school. Through regular feedback sessions and discussions about professional practice, staff consider which videos to use, when to introduce them and how to make the most of the content available.