Description
The objective of the project is to introduce the evidence based methods preventing risk behaviour in schools and to apply it also to kindergartens. At the application of the methods, value development and education are based on and the development and learning environment carrying agreed values, supporting positive behaviour culture and miscellaneuous development of children through teachers, parents and specialists will be created, i.e. the latter must be responsible and take action. Application of the method „Free of Bullying“ simultaneously in schools and kindergartens contributes to the formation of supportive and positive behaviour models and fluent transition from one education level to another. Risk behaviour of kindergarten’s group and class collective is prevented and children belonging to the risk group are supported through the safe growing and learning environment and formation of positive behaviour culture.
Summary of project results
Overall objective of the project has been the prevention of risk behaviour of children and support of risk group children through safe environment and development of positive behaviour culture. During the project period all the activities have been arranged in accordance with the project and the expected results have been achieved. At the end of the project method „Free of Bullying“ as the first evidence-based effort against bullying in preschools is covering already 2/3 kindergartens in Estonia and also 16% of Estonian schools (grades 1-3). During the project period, sustainable training teams have been created; over 1000 specialists have passed through “Free of Bullying” trainings, The Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu has provided trainings about values education for 71 schools. The qualitative analysis of Free of Bullying effects pointed, that it is important to help teachers to put Free of Bullying values into everyday practice (by using Free of Bullying tools creatively) and that there is a need to develop and support the network of specialists, inc kindergartens and schools in order to share best practices and learn more. Pedagogical tools enable teachers to talk to the children with ease about an otherwise abstract subject such as bullying. The program gives advice and information for parents about their important roles in preventing bullying. The webpage „Free of Bullying“ (incl mobile application SõberKaru) is a part of parental education and also part of educational environment for children. To meet the expectations of professionals and to ensure the sustainable functioning of the methodology, the contact persons and leading centres from each Estonian county have organized over 30 information days into introduce the implementation of methodology, notify the public (parents, media, etc.), motivate and advice kindergartens and schools and create interest in educational facilities that have not yet joined the methodology.
Summary of bilateral results