The relaxing sessions helping boost well-being of Curdworth Primary pupils
Curdworth Primary School pupils are benefitting from an innovative programme designed to support children’s mental health and wellbeing as they settle back into school following lockdown.
The school, part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, has been working with ‘Relax Kids’ to help pupils build confidence and develop key life skills through relaxation and mindfulness activities.
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 took part in six ‘Relax Kids’ sessions, which included scavenger hunts and finger breathing exercises.
Some of the classes took place during lockdown over Zoom and coach Alison Core also ran a catch-up session with Years 5/6.
Alison said: “The children at Curdworth Primary have really embraced our sessions in school as well as online and it is great to hear how they have benefited from them.”
Headteacher Lisa Dodd is a qualified mental health first aider who has organised training in this area for schools across the ATLP.
She said: “We put ‘Relax kids’ into Key Stage 2 this year because we noticed several of our older children experiencing anxiety, stress and unsettled behaviour when they returned to school in September following the first lockdown.
“The sessions have enabled us to have a shared language and some fabulous strategies to use with the children.
“During the sessions, the children have also learned about how their brain works in terms of their emotions.
"Alison has also provided each class and our school with a ‘calm box’ with resources for children to use when they need to regulate their emotions.”
“This intervention and the resources provided has meant that children have been a lot more settled when returning from the most recent lockdown.
"Alison is amazing, the children have loved their sessions with her – every school needs an Alison!”
Year 5/6 class teacher Meg Rice said: “The children in my class have loved their ‘Relax Kids’ sessions.
“Alison has taught the children some excellent techniques to use when they need to feel calmer which they do use at school and at home.”
