Sophie trained with Sylvie Hetu and Mia Elmsatter, the founders of the Massage in Schools Programme. She has a Disclosure and is insured to enter schools to implement the MISP in the classroom.

The Massage In Schools Programme develops nurturing touch in a school setting. It is based on respect and involves a formal massage routine and related activities. Instructors teach children the daily massage routine. Massage stories and touch activities can also be developed to aid kinaesthetic learning in other curriculum areas.

The clothed, peer massage is:

• For children 4-12 years old
  
• Given and received with the child's permission
  
• Given by the children, to each other
  
• On the back, head, arms and hands
  
• 10-15 minutes daily
  

Benefits of the Massage in Schools Programme Studies and observations have shown that:

• Children become calmer and have improved concentration.
  
• Children have more confidence and increased self esteem
  
• It teaches children to respect others and leads to social inclusion
  
• There is a reduction in bullying and aggression
  
• Emotional health improves
  
• It helps children recognise 'good' and 'bad' touch
  
• Children show improved motor skills
  
• It encourages visual and kinaesthetic learning
  
• The teacher benefits from all these aspects
  
• Massage is fun!
  

The Massage in Schools Programme is being used very successfully in schools as part of Personal, Health, Social and Citizenship Education (PHSCE) and contributes to the Healthy Schools Award (Emotional health and well-being). It also contributes to Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning and the objectives of Every Child Matters.

The MISP benefits children in many settings as it is used by, among others, Sure Start, The National Pyramid Trust and by project workers working with the Children's Fund. It will contribute to Extended Schools programmes too.

What children say about massage in schools

• It’s fun
  
• It’s relaxing
  
• I feel calmer
  
• I’m happier at school
  
• I’ve made more friends
  

What Staff say about massage in schools

• The class is quieter
  
• It has helped with inclusion of special needs children
  
• The class works better together
  
• Children ask each other if everything’s OK
  

Roger Brown, OFSTED Inspector, December 2005 - 'If you have a child leaving school with high esteem then the education system has achieved its greatest goal. The Massage in Schools Programme helps this objective.' Having seen how effective the MISP is he would like it to become part of the curriculum in all primary schools because it is such a positive tool for change.

For further information visit www.misa.org.uk