Pupils from St John’s First School, Wimborne have been taking part in a relax after school club. The children take part in massage.
A new after school club is teaching Wimborne school children special techniques to stay relaxed and be even happier.
Called ‘Relax Kids’, the sessions are held at St John’s First School, which is part of Wimborne Academy Trust, and is helping to build children’s confidence and self-esteem.
It centres on looking after a young person’s mind as well as their physical wellbeing.
This month a report from the Children’s Commissioner for England warned of a crisis for childhood mental health in the UK, with 800,000 children living with mental health issues.
And it is this that the Relax Kids classes aim to prevent.
Head of St John’s, Katharine Anstey, said: “For so long now as a nation we have concentrated on children’s physical health but as the recent Children’s Commissioner report shows looking after their mental health is equally important.
“The Relax Kids after school club is run to really put a child’s mental wellbeing at the forefront.
“It is designed to increase children’s self-confidence and teaches them coping mechanisms for whenever they may feel stressed or sad.
“Thankfully our children are very happy and we hope by attending these classes they remain so as they grow older. Those who attend absolutely love it and we’ve had great feedback from their parents as well.”
Pupils from St John’s First School, Wimborne have been taking part in a relax after school club.
The Relax Kids classes are carefully structured to lead children confidently through their natural energy levels, directing high energy to low energy.
A class starts with some movement and games, then progresses to stretching, massage, deep breathing practices, positive affirmations and guided visualizations to improve confidence.
Relax Kids also teaches children mindfulness and relaxation techniques, giving them the tools to cope with stress and anxiety.
Pupils from St John’s First School, Wimborne have been taking part in a relax after school club. Nina Dixon of Relax Kids pictured with the students.
St John’s First School is one of seven First and Middle schools in Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT), along with Allenbourn Middle School, Colehill First School, Hayeswood First School, Merley First School, St Michael’s Middle School and Witchampton First School.
WAT was formed in March 2015 and all of its academies are rated either Good or Outstanding.
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