Caring Friendships

Curriculum content:

1. How important friendships are in making us feel happy and secure, and how people
choose and make friends.
2. That healthy friendships are positive and welcoming towards others, and do not
make others feel lonely or excluded. Pupils should learn skills for developing caring,
kind friendships.
3. That not every child will have the friends they would like at all times, that most
people feel lonely sometimes, and that there is no shame in feeling lonely or talking
about it.
4. The characteristics of friendships that lead to happiness and security, including
mutual respect, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, trust, sharing
interests and experiences, and support with problems and difficulties.
5. That most friendships have ups and downs, and that these can often be worked
through so that the friendship is repaired or even strengthened.
6. How to manage conflict, and that resorting to violence is never right.
7. How to recognise when a friendship is making them feel unhappy or uncomfortable,
and how to get support when needed.