Our Universal Wellbeing Offer at Morley

Children have had the opportunity to learn about mindfulness, which we describe to them as ‘choosing to be present’ or ‘choosing to be present with curiosity and kindness.’ They were initially introduced to this during one term, using the dots and Paws b curricula created for children in schools by teachers and mindfulness experts.

There is growing evidence on the potential benefits of mindfulness in education. Professor Katherine Weare’s award-winning research summary: Evidence for the Impact of  Mindfulness on Children and Young  People, indicates that schools engaging in mindfulness are likely to see ‘beneficial results on the emotional wellbeing, mental health, ability to learn and even the physical health of their students.’

dots (3-6 year olds) and Paws b (7-11 year olds) are offered formally as a series of sessions which often sit well alongside other subjects and in the children’s everyday lives. There are also ‘Have A Go’ practices and activities for the children to try in school and in their own time. dots and Paws b support our learning dispositions, values and code of conduct.

The learning on the courses includes:

Our ability to focus, make good choices, recognise when we need to steady ourselves.

Ways that mindfulness can support us in day-to-day activities, including concentration and memory, behavioural self-management, and in relationships with family, carers and friends.

Ways to respond rather than react – and therefore make skilful choices and take best care of themselves and others.

The feedback from children who have previously taken part in dots and Paws b is very positive. They report enjoying the sessions and find the learning supports them in a broad range of situations from being able to concentrate and focus more easily in school to helping them feel calmer. Many have described sharing the learning with friends, family and other adults and finding it helps them with these relationships.

To find out more you can visit the Mindfulness in Schools Project website https://mindfulnessinschools.org