I started to notice Alex waiting at the door for me, and he would light up when he saw me, grab my hand and take me with him to play.
Over the course of 16 weeks, toddlers benefit from support in their learning and development from their mentors, while the young people become role models for the children, improving their self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
At first, Alex wasn’t open to engaging with his mentor Payton. He didn’t recognise her when she came into the nursery, and Payton would have to approach him instead.
Despite these challenges, Payton remained calm and supportive, gently encouraging Alex to take part in activities and try new things.
While the progress was slow, Payton persevered and gradually Alex responded. He became more focused and talkative. With each session, his confidence grew. He interacted with other children, even inviting those who were playing alone to play with him and Payton.
“Seeing Alex progress throughout our sessions and seeing him interacting with others made my days better,” said Payton.
Payton said, “I tried to make the activities appealing to Alex, whether it was doing them by myself to make it look exciting or making them more interactive.”
One breakthrough moment was when Alex started to wait for Payton to come into the nursery.
“I started to notice Alex waiting at the door for me, and he would light up when he saw me, grab my hand and take me with him to play,” said Payton.
Alex’s teachers noticed changes in him too as he began playing with his peers when Payton wasn’t around. By the end of Teens and Toddlers, Alex had grown into a more confident child who enjoyed being with others.
His bond with Payton gave him the encouragement and belief he needed to find his voice, build friendships and step outside his comfort zone – changes that will stay with him well beyond nursery.
We’re so proud of the progress Alex and Payton made together, showing just how much a supportive, patient young mentor can help a toddler thrive.
Daniel, one of our Programme Assistants, said, “Payton’s role model behaviour really empowered her mentee. Alex became confident, outgoing, assertive and at times one of the loudest in the room!”
