The daily 10 to 15 minute clothed massages focus on the back, head, arms and hands. The initiative is designed to be calming and to build empathy and friendship between pupils.
How does it work? Staff at the school have been trained so they can teach the children how to carry out the massage. Research shows that daily massage can lead to calmer children, improved concentration, raised self-esteem and reduced aggression and bullying.
Is it going well? Children and their parents have given positive feedback. Kathryn Vipond, head teacher at the school, says: "You can see that it does make the children feel calmer and helps them to concentrate. The pupils often work with different partners so it helps them to work together and make new friends." Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council's lead member for children and young people's service, adds: "It is very important that we help children in Leicestershire schools to feel relaxed and help them with their concentration. I am very pleased to hear that the project is being well-received by pupils and their parents."
