A buddying scheme at Peel Clothworkers’ school - in which year 6 pupils help others and in doing so set a good example - is so successful that 36 out of 50 pupils in that year are involved.

Buddies recently donned new bright red and yellow caps, sponsored by Ellan Vannin Fuels (EVF), that have more than a little kudos attached.

Becoming a buddy is hard earned. There is a selection process involving a questionnaire and interview - for which some parents coach their children - and the potential buddy’s entire school record is taken into account so encouraging good behaviour from all year groups.

Because it’s so popular - and has attracted more pupils this year than ever before - there is even a reserve buddy bench.

’The caps can be removed for poor behaviour,’ said teacher Sylvia Russell, and if the cap no longer fits everyone will know about it, so it is an important symbol making the £350 donation to buy them very valued.

’In school, it’s not just educational, it’s social and emotional,’ said Mrs Russell who started the scheme 11 years ago to give a voice to a little boy who found it hard to speak up. She buddied him with an older girl, and it was transforming.

Buddies must be good role models, always set a good example, help younger pupils with tasks such as their dinner trays and coats, and encourage nice play, organise games and tell staff if they spot a problem.

They also help with small tasks in the school and Mrs Russell has the arduous task of drawing up the rota to ensure jobs are fairly spread.

For the first time, the scheme has also expanded to the football pitch, where two referees oversee the games and encourage fair play.

The support of EVF - since 2012 - is greatly appreciated and commercial and marketing manager Andy Sweetman doesn’t just write the cheque, he visits the school often and is very impressed with what he sees.

He said the buddy scheme was ’fantastic’, adding: ’It integrates an ethos for caring and looking after each other. It’s so worthwhile.

’There is so much (information) available to us nowadays, it’s important young people are taught the basics, youngsters who had behavioural problems became model citizens.

’Personally, I like to be involved, you cannot just tick the box, you have to walk the walk, give something else, it’s rewarding for the community and the island.’

Buddying also helps to tackle the intractable, tricky and damaging problem of bullying, it ’definitely helps’ said Mrs Russell, by giving pupils a voice and creating a culture where it is unacceptable.

She added other schools should follow their lead.