Introducing CRISP

Posted on March 21st, 2007 in Quaker by Brian

CRISP- Cultivating Respect, Responsibility and Relationships in Schools Programme - is a Quaker initiative in the Tees Valley which will be of interest to Head Teachers, Governors, and others

CRISP helps schools work creatively at building better relationships.


In the classroom we use Circle Time within which we use a variety of techniques to promote respect, responsibility, and healthy relationships.

CRISP methods spring from the commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice from the Religious Society of Friends “Quakers”. The Quaker commitment to finding more creative ways of dealing with conflict in relationships has been part of our ethos for 350 years.

Workshops focus on

Communications skills

  • Listening
  • Co-operation
  • Negotiation
  • Mediation

Social and emotional development

  • Recognising feelings
  • Developing Self-esteem
  • Anger management
  • Empathy

All these are inclusive, accessible to children and staff.

CRISP Workshops address a school’s need for input on:

  • SEAL – the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning
  • EVERY CHILD MATTERS
    • Enjoying and achieving
    • Making a positive contribution
    • Economic well-being
    • Staying safe
    • Being healthy

CRISP Facilitators

Two of our Facilitators are experienced teachers.

A third Facilitator is a trained Social Worker who has long experience of work with children and young people.

Ways we can helpï‚Ÿ

Professional Development Days

Not just sitting and listening, but learning by doing.

“Unless we are modelling what we are teaching, we are teaching something else” Belinda Hopkins - author of Just Schools: a whole school approach to Restorative Justice

Workshops for training courses

for Teachers Classroom Assistants NVQ III in Child Care

Classroom Workshops

Six weekly workshops for 1 hour each using a Circle Time approach to explore thoughts, feelings, and actions, looking at different ways of handling difficult situations with Key Stage 2

  • Staff Training for Teachers
  • After-School Clubs
  • Dinner-time Assistants

CRISP has been working in schools in the Tees Valley area for six years.

Schools who have had the benefit of our workshops and other training courses speak highly of the work done, and the difference it can make. These quotes are from a school after the series of workshops:

Year 3

“Children were able to voice their own thoughts and opinions”

“This was something beneficial for teachers. Something they can talk about and refer to when solving class issues.”

Year 4

“Boys are now playing football without any serious fights occuring”.

For further information

Have an informal talk to either of the Teacher Facilitators -

Contact

Doreen Hammond in Middlesbrough 01642 815823

or Clare Rose near Darlington 01325 718308

Michael Wright
Convenor: CRISP Management Committee
25 Thornfield Road, Middlesbrough. TS5 5DD. 01642 851919

Cultivating Respect, Relationships and Responsibility in Schools Programme