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Children at St Stephen’s Church School in Bath have been learning relaxation techniques thanks to an Education for Wellbeing Programme called the Inspire Project.

The project, led by the Anna Freud National Centre for Families and Children, is part of a large scale government-funded research project into supporting well-being in schools and St Stephen’s is one of 370 schools across the country taking part.

Headteacher Andy Bowman explained, “We are delighted to be a part of this incredibly important study. It is never too early to begin developing the strategies and understanding that underpin positive mental health. This project nicely complements the other provision we have in place here to support children’s well-being and in the future will be making this part of the daily routine for all of our children.”

The children in Years 4 and 5 are enjoying daily relaxation sessions led by their teachers who have each been trained through the project. It is already having an impact, with a boy in Year 4 enthusing, “I love it! It’s one of the best things, it’s nice and calming. It gets me ready for the afternoon.”

Another added, “It makes me feel calm, like all of my emotions can flow out. It helps me when I do my work because I’m relaxed. I can do my best work because I don’t need to worry.”

A girl in Year 4 reflected that, “I feel like when we started doing it, I stopped worrying. It has helped me with my worrying.”

Andy added that the real value of the practice lies in children learning these strategies. “We want our children to grow into young adults who are in tune with their emotions and carry with them practical techniques that they can use to regulate and express their feelings. If they are able to do this, they will be well placed to thrive on the many challenges and opportunities their future will present. I hope the impact of this will extend far beyond their time in primary school.”

www.st-stephens.bathnes.sch.uk