Ffrindiau Annwyl

Ffrindiau Annwyl

What is the Ffrindiau Annwyl project?

Ffrindiau Annwyl is an exciting development of an existing, successful initiative based on Theraplay Sunshine Circles. Delivered by Adenydd in a local primary school in Swansea from August 2023 to December 2024, this project is funded by the Weyslan Foundation Fund through the Community Foundation Fund for Wales.


Theraplay is a play-based, adult-led therapeutic intervention with a strong research and evidence base. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that Theraplay significantly improves assertiveness, self-confidence, and trust, enhances interaction between autistic children and their parents, and reduces emotional distress in children. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those experiencing developmental trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).


The aim of the Ffrindiau Annwyl project is to help children develop essential social-emotional skills for healthy relationships, boost their self-esteem and confidence, and support their success as learners. In addition, the project focuses on providing training and ongoing support to school staff while engaging parents, helping them acquire the skills to continue supporting their children’s needs both at home and with extended family members.

So what did we do?

Preparation: The Adenydd team collaborated closely with the staff and Senior Leadership at a local Primary School, where they worked with pre-arranged staff members and parents ready to engage in the project. Adenydd delivered two training sessions of two hours each—one for staff only and another for both staff and parents together. In these sessions, Adenydd also spent an additional hour of planning time with senior school staff, such as the ALNCo, to address logistical issues like room availability and pupil/class selection. This planning time helped ensure capacity building, sustainability, and shared expertise. The training sessions equipped staff and parents with the tools to continue the intervention independently, fostering long-term sustainability. Additionally, both parents and staff completed pre-intervention surveys and feedback forms to inform the delivery of the project. 


Intervention: Following the training, school staff, with support from Adenydd personnel, delivered the intervention sessions to a small group of children identified by the school as struggling. Another group was run with parents attending alongside staff, with Adenydd leading the session and school staff providing support. Throughout the intervention, feedback forms were completed by both parents and staff after each session, which helped shape future sessions. Adenydd monitored the outcomes and challenges from both the intervention sessions and the children's experiences in the classroom and at home. Based on these observations, new plans were developed each week, with Adenydd and school staff collaboratively delivering the following week’s session. 

What was our impact?

The Ffrindiau Annwyl project has brought about significant positive changes for the children, their families, and the wider community. The intervention has made a tangible impact on the children’s emotional and behavioural well-being, with many showing improvements in their interactions and overall engagement in school. Staff and parents have reported an increased understanding of the children’s needs, especially in relation to trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), leading to more empathetic and effective support at home and in school. 


For the children, the project fostered greater engagement, improved social skills, and enhanced emotional regulation. Many children displayed increased confidence and a greater sense of connection with both their peers and the school environment. These changes were observed through improvements in school participation and behaviour. However, it is important to note that a small number of children showed a decline in their SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) scores, which reflects the complexity of supporting children who have experienced significant trauma. This underscores the need for continued, individualized interventions to address their specific needs. 


For parents, the project helped to reduce isolation by providing a space for them to engage with staff and other parents, share experiences, and receive support. Increased parental involvement led to improved home-school partnerships and a more coordinated approach to supporting the children. Parents reported feeling more empowered, equipped with strategies to support their children’s development, and more confident in their role as partners in their child’s education. 


The wider community also benefited, as the project fostered stronger ties between the school, families, and local services. Staff gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by children and families affected by trauma, leading to more inclusive and informed practices within the school. By supporting these children, the project contributed to a more compassionate and understanding school culture. 

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