This is a win-win for both sides of the programme. The older children get the chance to be a role model which is a huge boost for their self-esteem, while the younger students get some quality one-on-one interaction and supervision, which helps develop their own language and social skills.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, assistant to cabinet member for children's social care at Rochdale Borough Council, visited a Teens and Toddlers programme with students from St Cuthbert’s and St John’s Nursery.

The overall results look good as well. I would strongly recommend this scheme to all secondary schools in the Rochdale borough. It seems a very effective way of engaging with Year 10 children at a time of their lives when they are subject to a lot of stress and pressure.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, Rochdale