massage in schools

 The Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) is a peer massage programme for children aged between 4-12. MISP aims to promote the wellbeing of children in the knowledge that nurturing touch is a basic need and a powerful tool to help children develop into healthy, respectful, well-balanced human beings.  Benefits include concentration, cooperation, confidence, and calmness.  It also supports parent and child attachment and bonding. 

It has been developed as an inclusive strategy for reducing children’s stress levels, aggression and bullying, and can be also implemented in other settings such as nurseries, after school clubs, community groups and families.   Mini MISP for 2yrs olds can also be introduced to support bonding and attachment

The vision of the Massage In Schools Programme is that every child whether attending school or not, experience positive and nurturing touch every day…everywhere in the world.   

Carried out over approx.7 weeks it introduces child to child massage with different strokes and stories done over clothes, on the back, shoulders, head and arms  

  Parent/ Child classes | (misascotland.org.uk) 

In addition to the massage routine, families are introduced to other touch-based activity including; making a pizza, drawing pictures / writing words on the back, massage with a ball, Once Upon a Touch stories, Papa Goat etc.  This allows for parent and child to be creative, have fun and build solid connections with each other.   Benefits for child and families also include things like, reduction of positive relationships, anxiety, health issues, health and behavioural issues, sleep, and stress. 

 Curriculum for Excellence | (misascotland.org.uk) 

 Health and Wellbeing is an important part of this educational curriculum and the four capacities. 

The Health and Wellbeing framework takes a holistic approach to promoting health. It states that “children and young people should feel happy, safe, respected and included in the school environment and all staff should be proactive in promoting positive behaviour in the classroom, playground and the wider school community.”

It also recognises that “learning through health and wellbeing promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes and dispositions”.

Another factor in common with MISP is that it advises that all aspects of health and wellbeing should be part of a whole school strategy, to make sure that they have sustained impact.   MISP covers this and so much more, making it fun and educational experience.