As part of our commitment to raising attainment through health and wellbeing, we introduced the Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) across our school last year (2024-25). This programme has already been successfully introduced in a number of schools across Scotland and the feedback from our own learners at the end of last year was overwhelmingly positive, so we are looking forward to expanding it this year.
The Massage in Schools Programme involves teaching the children a series of simple massage strokes, which they practise on each other, working in pairs. The massage programme is carried out fully clothed, in chairs in the classroom and is built into the daily routine. The children learn to always ask for permission before they are allowed to work with their partners and learn about the importance of safe touch, kind hands and being gentle. MISP only permits children to work with their peers (i.e. no adults are allowed to massage children in school). The children choose whether they wish to work with a peer or on their own.
Research has shown the programme is highly successful at reducing anxiety and stress levels, improving confidence and the health and wellbeing of learners. Other benefits of the programme include decreased aggression, increased concentration and increased self-esteem. Another benefit is that children might want to practise on willing family members! The programme can improve sibling relationships and the bedtime routine within the family home. Parent/Carer feedback highlights they feel that this programme allows for quality time with their children.
Parents/Carers will be invited to attend a Massage Workshop with their child at some point over the school year. We will also be offering after school clubs at different times where you can come in and learn the routine fully with your child. Please do look out for these letters.
Please see pdf below for more information.
The Massage in Schools Programme involves teaching the children a series of simple massage strokes, which they practise on each other, working in pairs. The massage programme is carried out fully clothed, in chairs in the classroom and is built into the daily routine. The children learn to always ask for permission before they are allowed to work with their partners and learn about the importance of safe touch, kind hands and being gentle. MISP only permits children to work with their peers (i.e. no adults are allowed to massage children in school). The children choose whether they wish to work with a peer or on their own.
Research has shown the programme is highly successful at reducing anxiety and stress levels, improving confidence and the health and wellbeing of learners. Other benefits of the programme include decreased aggression, increased concentration and increased self-esteem. Another benefit is that children might want to practise on willing family members! The programme can improve sibling relationships and the bedtime routine within the family home. Parent/Carer feedback highlights they feel that this programme allows for quality time with their children.
Parents/Carers will be invited to attend a Massage Workshop with their child at some point over the school year. We will also be offering after school clubs at different times where you can come in and learn the routine fully with your child. Please do look out for these letters.
Please see pdf below for more information.
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