Visit to Kick Start run by One-Eighty
Getting a glimpse into a Kick Start primary school session run by One-Eighty felt like a real privilege. Witnessing a small group of primary aged children express their feelings and seeing the clear impact these sessions have had on their wellbeing. Aimed at children who are identified by the school as arriving restless at the start of each school day, and who struggle to engage in lessons, the sessions provide a fun, safe and caring space.
I visited a group at John Henry Newman primary school in Littlemore, Oxford. Each weekly hour-long session has a similar structure, starting with a movement activity, a craft activity, a discussion on the carpet and relaxation at the end. Each group of children attend for 7 sessions. The playful activities enable them to practice concentration and help them to cope with activity transitions, which some find difficult in school. There is a comfy Communication Corner, which a child can go to at any time if they would like to have a one-to-one chat with a staff member. The staff are kind, calm and attentive, speaking to the children with understanding and respect.
Reflecting on new learnings
Today was the last of their 7 sessions together. There was a fun movement game, then everyone enjoyed a craft activity. The group discussion asked how they felt about coming to Kick Start, and a chat about what they would take away. Many of the children cited the relaxation techniques they had learnt.
“I liked the hand breathing and the rainbow breathing, I will use that in class.”
“I liked the one where you told us a story and we relaxed.”
Other highlights from the children included learning to care for the feelings of others and learning to keep calm in lessons. Another said that the crafting had helped her find her talent. A few children said they had learned to express their feelings in a safe space: “I have learned to let people know how you are feeling so they are not bottled up.”
Putting techniques into practice
The staff had prepared the children for this ending, and ensured that the young people had something positive to take away from the sessions. They wrote their own thoughts about what they have enjoyed and what they have learned on yellow stars to take away. Each received a laminated certificate with their name on. The school staff have also been involved and received some of the techniques taught so that some favourites could be incorporated into the school day.
This collaboration between the school, One-Eighty and the children clearly works. It helps young people to feel good about themselves, helps them to understand their own and others’ feelings and behaviour, and gives them strategies to feel calm in school. Sessions with One-Eighty provide a great kickstart to the day, and clearly have a profoundly positive effect on the young people.
Jane Gallagher
Community Capacity Builder, Well Together
Well Together is being delivered in partnership by OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire and has been funded by the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (NHS BOB ICB).
