Pupils from schools across Aberdeen gathered at Kittybrewster Primary yesterday to thank their newest teachers – a group of babies.
The event marked the end of this years Roots of Empathy project which aims to reduce bullying by bringing infants and parents into the classroom.
Scotland is the first country worldwide to provide the programme, which is delivered by Action for Children, in every council area.
Almost 900 children in the Aberdeen area have now taken part.
At yesterday’s event, the parents and babies involved received certificates of thanks from Action for Children and the city Lord Provost George Adam.
Pupils showed their thanks by writing their future hopes for the children they met and putting them on a wishing tree.
Paul Carberry, director of service development at Action for Children Scotland, said: “Action for Children Scotland has delivered Roots of Empathy to 168 schools across Scotland this year, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Early Year Change fund.
“Of course we couldn’t do it without the support of our Tiny Teachers – and their parents.”
Pupils receive nine visits from a baby and parent throughout the school year, along with support from a trained instructor.
During thee visits, the baby is the teacher.
The instructor leads pupils in looking at how the child changes and grows during his or her first year of life.
The pupils also look at the relationship between parent and baby, and how the parent responds to the baby’s emotions.