‘There are two sides to every conflict’ – the story behind latest Aardman, PCC production

• Award-winning animation studio Aardman and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire have teamed up again to teach children a better way of solving their differences
• A new Aardman animation, entitled ‘You For I’, is aimed at primary aged children so they can understand the causes and consequences of their behaviour and that conversations can resolve conflict 
• The video officially launched to Key Stage two pupils at Calton Primary School in Gloucester 
• Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said “ This animation will help to teach young people that they can respect someone else’s views, even if they are different to their own, and that you never need to be violent in order to express yourself”.

What goes on in the playground stays in the playground. Or should it?

Teaching children a better way of solving arguments is the theme of the latest collaboration between Bristol based BAFTA and Oscar®  winners Aardman and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire.

The world renowned animators, best known for Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and Chicken Run, have created a brand new set of colourful characters who deal with the type of conflict young people come across each day through a process called ‘restorative conversations’.

The film entitled ‘You and I’ is all about bringing two sides together so they can understand the causes and consequences of their behaviour.

Aardman director Tim Ruffle, said, “Animation is a great medium to convey the idea of restorative conversations. We tried to make a fun and visually appealing film, whilst suggesting simple actions that a younger audience can try for themselves.”

Restorative conversations brings together those at odds with each other. It gives them the chance to meet and speak about the impact of their behaviour, make a positive change and, hopefully, stop them falling-out again.

Gloucestershire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured funding through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

A focus group of experts approved the film ensuring it has the right, age-appropriate message.

A lesson plan was custom-made by teams at Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning to accompany the film, which helps teachers to get the most learning out of it.

Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Engaging with young people is essential as early intervention teaches good habits, and this is the case with children learning how to express themselves.

“We all experience disagreements, conflict and anger at all stages of life. This animation helps to teach young people that they can respect someone else’s views, even if they are different to their own, and that you never need to be violent in order to express yourself.

“This creative campaign will hopefully engage primary children with the colourful, relatable characters. We hope it starts them thinking about how best to communicate and that their actions have consequences on those around them.

“By reinforcing basic values like respect and good communication at a young age I hope that this empowers the next generation to move towards restorative practice and away from violence or threats which is where police get involved.

“We have benefitted from the talented team at Aardman before – they created a video for us on Consent, helping young people to listen to the answer they get, rather than the answer they want to hear.  This latest video on Restorative Justice yet again demonstrates their commitment to improving the lives of young people, especially in the South West.”

The film will be officially launched to Key Stage 2 pupils at Calton Primary School in Gloucester on Tuesday 14 November.

It will also be available to Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Schoolbeat team, which delivers training to young people on topics including anti-social behaviour, grooming, exploitation and internet safety.

‘You For I’ was Directed by Tim Ruffle, whose animation projects include work for Nintendo, Google and Robinsons and produced by Nick Miller

You can watch the video here.

It is the second time Aardman and the OPCC have collaborated in this way. A 90-second video called ‘Consent’ aimed at children aged between nine and 13 was made last year as a teaching resource in primary and secondary schools across Gloucestershire to help young people understand consent and boundaries.