Pupils from the Western Isles say a big ‘thank you’ to tiny teachers (2)

Primary three pupils gathered at Stornoway Primary School to say a big 'thank you' to the Western Isles' tiniest teachers at a Baby Celebration held by Action for Children Scotland and the Western Isles Council today [Tuesday, 19 June 2012].

The event marked the end of the school year forRoots of Empathy­, an innovative programme that encourages children to interact in a nurturing manner by bringing a baby - known as a 'tiny teacher' - and parent into the classroom. The programme was introduced to Stornoway, Leverburgh and Back primary schools by leading charity, Action for Children Scotland.

Pupils from Stornoway Primary School thanked baby Caitlyn by writing wishes for her future and hanging them on a special wish tree at the Baby Celebration. Separate events will be held at Leverburgh, Ballivanich and Back primary schools to thank babies Erin, Kenneth and Ethan.

Paul Carberry, operational director of children's services at Action for Children Scotland, said: "Classroom visits by the baby and parent are at the heart ofRoots of Empathy, helping schoolchildren to better understand their own feelings and the feelings of others. Today's celebration gives pupils and teachers, as well as staff from Western Isles Council and Action for Children Scotland, the perfect opportunity to thank Caitlyn, Erin, Kenneth and Ethan for all their hard work over the school year

"Action for Children Scotland introducedRoots of Empathy­to 99 schools across the country this year and we simply could not have done it without our tiny teachers - and their parents! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the babies, mums and dads involved for making the first year ofRoots of Empathysuch a huge success."

Debbie McKee, mother of Caitlyn, added: "Caitlyn and I have loved being part of Roots of Empathy and meeting pupils from Stornoway Primary School. They are all so fond of Caitlyn; it is wonderful to see how much they have enjoyed the programme and their wishes Caitlyn's future. It has been a very rewarding experience that I would strongly recommend to any new mums!"

As part of theRoots of Empathycurriculum, a baby and parent visit the class nine times throughout the school year. A trainedRoots of Empathyinstructor guides pupils in labeling the baby's emotions, raising levels of empathy amongst classmates and resulting in a dramatic reduction in levels of aggression among school children. Independent evaluations of the programme carried out in Canada - where it originated and has been active for the longest period of time - revealed a significant increase in peer acceptance in 74% of children and a decrease in social aggression in 39% of children.

Catriona Stewart, Chair of Education and Children's Services at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "The Roots of Empathy programme has been a welcome addition to the primary school curriculum here in the Western Isles.  The three schools visited by Roots of Empathy have benefitted from being introduced to this highly innovative programme.  The children who took part clearly enjoyed the experience and it was heartening to see how proud and protective they felt towards the babies.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Action for Children and also all the babies and parents who took part in the programme."

Roots of Empathy was developed by internationally-recognised social entrepreneur, educator, author, child advocate and parenting expert, Mary Gordon, in 1996.  Over 450,000 children have taken part in the programme worldwide. The programme was piloted in North Lanarkshire by Action for Children Scotland in 2010 - the first time it was delivered anywhere in Britain. In 2011, Action for Children Scotland rolled outRoots of Empathyin 16 local authorities across Scotland.