Great Bradfords Junior School
We are very grateful to Active Essex for helping make this free after school yoga & mental wellbeing project possible. Over a term we were able to create a space where every child felt comfortable to be themselves in an expressive and confident growing way. The children came for the physical fun side of yoga, however, expressed many times that in fact their favourite part of the class was the meditation and relaxation time - which surprised them! Sharing a range of fun and exciting themes we all got very creative and active, alongside the therapeutical side of different breathing exercises and relaxation methods to calm our nervous system.
Every child finished with a wellbeing pack containing everything they need to continue a powerful practice at home.
Survey Results:
86% Attendance
90% Children would like to continue yoga & mental wellbeing programmes
100% Children in our case studies reported feeling calmer and more relaxed on project completion
Case Study:
One child said at the start of the programme "I hoping for yoga to help me in control of my emotions." At the end of the programme her parent shared that they have noticed this improvement as well as the child sharing how the breathing exercises are her favourite and she will use these at home.
Children's Voice:
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I, 7 years old: “Yoga helped me when I started year 3. I was worried Nikki helped”
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A, 8 years old: Shared how she felt excited before going to yoga each week. She also said, “I want it to come back”.
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F, 8 years old: Shared how she feels proud and happy to be part of the yoga club. She also said, “I want you to come back and I don’t want it to end.”
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A, 8 years old: Shared how yoga has helped her feeling happy and relaxed, and the breathing to calm down.
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O, 9 years old: Shared that his favourite thing about yoga was feeling calm. He also said, “Happy the pack is very good.”
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B, 7 years old: Shared how she would love to do more yoga in future, she gets excited before yoga each week and doesn’t want it to end.
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M, 8 years old: Shared how happy and excited she felt receiving her wellbeing pack today and how she used all of it straight away.
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B, 10 years old: Shared her favourite thing about yoga “because it makes me feel calm.” She also drew a picture of her before yoga (with a sad face) and after yoga (with a smiley face).
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R, 10 years old: “Yoga helped me calm down when I’m angry”.
Parents Voice:
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“Oliver engaged well with this and it has helped to emotionally calm him and make him feel happy. Thank you for the opportunity”
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“It’s been an extremely valuable experience for my daughter, she has been excited to teach us all what she has learnt over the weeks. We really hope these lessons can continue through primary school and beyond.”
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“My daughter is adhd so struggles with keeping calm and keeping regulated. I was unsure she would handle this but signed her up as she asked to go. She thoroughly enjoyed it every week and came home and taught her little brother something. She has practiced some things when she is disregulated and before bed.”
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“It was so useful to learn calming techniques and to build on in the future.”
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“This has been so beneficial and would happily pay for sessions like this as our daughter has grown in confidence and strength doing this course”
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“B has struggled to relax and to deal with her emotions but since joining your classes she feels more in control which I’m very grateful off”
Classroom Teachers Voice:
“There was at least one occasion where there was a clash for 'child A' in attending and I could see her getting worked up at the end of the day. She then took herself to one side, noticeably breathing and then came back with a solution.” Another teacher said, “'Child B' often would complain of belly aches which were induced from worry and work related anxiety (when she perceives task to be too challenging). We have had less moments like this and I have been able to use breathing techniques to help her as she is familiar with the process of calming her mind more.”
Deputy Headteachers Voice:
“Having a fully funded, free after‑school yoga club has been hugely positive. It allowed all children (including those who are disadvantaged) to access a unique wellbeing opportunity they might not otherwise have had. The programme supported our goals around equity, wellbeing, and nurturing the whole child, and it fit perfectly with our school’s values.” She also went on to express, “The yoga programme appears to have had a gentle but positive influence on pupils’ wellbeing. While the impact is subtle and not always easy to measure, students seem calmer and have been taught strategies for supporting their wellbeing. The fully funded, inclusive approach also supports our school’s aims around mental health, equality of access, and encouraging healthy habits.” Then went on to say, “I would very much like to see the yoga program continue. The children clearly enjoy and value the sessions, and even though the impact can be subtle, it contributes positively to their overall wellbeing. Having an inclusive, fully funded opportunity like this supports our wider school aims and offers something meaningful to pupils who may not otherwise access such activities.”
The feedback has been wonderful and we plan to deliver more of these fully funded yoga & mental wellbeing programmes in schools across Essex.
