Industry News
Massage is schools "boosts wellbeing" says head
Posted on 14th April 2008
A school in Liverpool has introduced a scheme of getting pupils to massage each other in a bid to prevent unruly behaviour, the Daily Mail has reported.
Pupils at Mab Lane Primary take part in twice-weekly 20-minute massage sessions and the positive effect has led to an "outstanding" Ofsted report.
Back and shoulder massages are performed to calming music and the school also has plans to host motivational talks for the pupils from a qualified therapist.
Inspectors carrying out the school's Ofsted reported commended it for its outstanding care, guidance and pupil wellbeing.
Head teacher June Todd told the Mail: "It's all about working with the children to boost their emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and working on giving children the 'I can' factor."
Other companies are also introducing massaging to schools. The Massage in Schools programme says in its online mission statement: "Every child attending school [should] experience positive and nurturing touch every day."