About Pyramid Clubs
How Pyramid works
How Pyramid works
Pyramid clubs run as a series of 10 sessions that give children a safe space to grow in confidence, friendship and self-belief.
The clubs help children and young people to develop strategies for managing their thoughts and feelings in a supportive and fun environment.
They are generally run as an after-school activity, but can also take place during the school day.
Depending on your school's proximity to the University of West London there are varying options for setting up (and managing) a Pyramid club.
Benefits of Pyramid
Pyramid clubs offer:
- fun learning activities for young people who are often excluded by their peers
- improve children’s coping skills and emotional resilience
- help avoid more serious mental health problems in the future
- encourage a positive attitude towards school and learning.
Science behind Pyramid
Evidence-based approach
Pyramid Clubs are rooted in cognitive and positive psychology – read more about the research supporting them.
The size of the group is typically 10 children, supported by three or four trained leaders. Research suggests this is the optimum size: not so big that children are intimidated, but with enough diversity of characters that children are likely to find common ground and make connections.
The high ratio of adults to children allows for discrete one-to-one support within the group session so no child gets overlooked.
Key facts about Pyramid clubs
- Children are identified for the club by someone in their school who knows them well.
- Normally run after school, but sometimes take place during the school day.
- Usually run in schools, but can run in other settings (eg a voluntary organisation's facility).
- For ages 7-14, who meet the criteria for inclusion.
- Run once a week, for 90 minutes a week, over 10 weeks.
- Run by trained volunteers or paid staff, with a ratio of one adult to every three children and a maximum group size of 12 children.
- Use the Pyramid Activity Packs provided by UWL, but offer a flexible programme to meet the individual needs and interests of the children in the group.
Feedback
Parent, Lincolnshire
C has integrated really well into her new class. She has blossomed and is now more confident and mature. Her attendance has improved from the start of the year and she worries less about coming to school. She achieved (the expected standard) in her SATs test, her teacher wouldn’t have expected that at the start of the year.
Contact us
Pyramid across the UK is run by the University of West London.
You can email us at:
- Email pyramid@uwl.ac.uk
- Call 020 8231 2930 or 07810 853561.
More testimonials
Child X was a seven-year-old boy who for no apparent reason became extremely unhappy about coming to school in year 3. He had great difficulties putting his anxieties into words.
On the day of the first club Child X came into school with no problem. He came to the club after school, mixed well with the other children and said he couldn’t wait to come back next week. Subsequently every Thursday, the day of the club, he came into school smiling. Over time his new-found friendship and self confidence made him much happier to come to school. He is now in year 5; his attendance has vastly improved and his friendship circle has grown much wider. When he sees us around school he often asks if we still do Pyramid club and always comments on what fun he had and wishes he could go back for more.– Pyramid educator
Pyramid Clubs for schools
The Pyramid programme helps children aged 7-14 develop confidence and self-esteem so they can cope with the academic and social pressures of school.
More information
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Pyramid information for parents and volunteers
Find more information about Pyramid clubs as well as discover answers to FAQs.
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Pyramid for primary school
Understand the challenges a child faces when they start school and how Pyramid can help turn those around to create positive experiences.
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Pyramid for secondary school
Moving to secondary school is a big adventure but for many it can be overwhelming. Pyramid offers a safe place for young people to unburden themselves and develop a better model of relationships with both peers and adults.
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Pyramid transition clubs
Moving to secondary school from primary school can be tough but Pyramid transition clubs can help children gain necessary skills to cope with the changes around them.
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Pyramid Club evidence
The evidence behind the Pyramid intervention programme shows that it is beneficial for children's development and can have a significant impact on their life at school and at home.
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Pyramid resources
Schools and club leaders receive comprehensive support and resources in order to run a Pyramid club.
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Pyramid Clubs for schools
The Pyramid programme helps children aged 7-14 develop confidence and self-esteem so they can cope with the academic and social pressures of school.
