Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and kindness. Through short, practical activities, children learn to recognise their thoughts, feelings and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. These skills help children to pause, reflect and make positive choices when faced with challenges.

​

Why do we teach mindfulness?

Growing up in today's fast-paced world can be challenging. Children experience a wide range of emotions both inside and outside school, and learning how to understand and manage these feelings is an important life skill.

By teaching mindfulness, we aim to help children:

• Develop emotional awareness and self-regulation.

• Improve concentration and attention during lessons.

• Build resilience when facing challenges or setbacks.

• Manage feelings of worry, stress or anxiety.

• Develop confidence and independence.

• Improve relationships through greater empathy, kindness and understanding.

• Foster a positive attitude towards learning and personal wellbeing.

Mindfulness complements our school's values by encouraging children to be reflective, respectful and ready to learn.

 

What does mindfulness look like at Long Mead?

Mindfulness is taught through the nationally recognised MiSP (Mindfulness in Schools Project) curriculum using age-appropriate programmes that build children's understanding and skills as they progress through the school.

• Reception and Key Stage 1 children follow the Dots programme, introducing mindfulness through fun, engaging activities that help children recognise emotions, develop self-awareness and learn simple techniques to calm and focus their minds.

• Key Stage 2 children take part in the Paws b programme, which develops these skills further by teaching practical strategies for managing thoughts, emotions, stress and relationships as they become more independent learners.

 

Sessions are practical, interactive and engaging, giving children strategies they can use both in school and at home.

Children may take part in activities such as:

• Short guided mindfulness practices.

• Breathing and relaxation techniques.

• Learning to notice thoughts, feelings and emotions.

• Developing strategies to respond calmly to difficult situations.

• Reflecting on gratitude, kindness and self-awareness.

 

These techniques are also embedded throughout the school day whenever children need support with focus, emotional regulation or transitions between activities.

 

The long-term benefits

Mindfulness is not simply a programme we teach—it is a set of lifelong skills. By developing these strategies from an early age, children are better equipped to cope with the challenges they may face throughout their education and beyond.

Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can contribute to:

• Improved emotional wellbeing.

• Increased resilience and perseverance.

• Better focus and concentration.

• Enhanced behaviour and self-control.

• Greater confidence and self-esteem.

• Stronger friendships and positive relationships.

• Improved readiness to learn.

Our aim is for every child to leave Long Mead Community Primary School with the confidence, resilience and emotional tools they need to thrive both academically and personally. Mindfulness helps children understand that whilst they cannot always control what happens around them, they can learn strategies to manage how they respond.

By nurturing both the mind and the heart, we are helping our children to become happy, confident and successful learners for life.

​