3 Ways To Improve Wellbeing in Primary Schools
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Ross Morrison McGill founded @TeacherToolkit in 2007, and today, he is one of the ‘most followed educators’on social media in the world. In 2015, he was nominated as one of the ‘500 Most Influential People in Britain’ by The Sunday Times as a result of…
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Are you searching for a resource that supports pupil wellbeing, focus, and self-regulation in school?
As a school leader, standing at the school gates watching pupils arrive visibly anxious after chaotic mornings at home. It made me think — how can we help children regulate their emotions before they enter the classroom? Mindful Mats offer a practical solution, combining movement with mindfulness to support emotional wellbeing and readiness to learn.
Mindful Mats are a set of interactive, sensory-rich floor mats designed to help primary pupils develop emotional regulation, balance, coordination, and focus through movement and mindfulness exercises. Here are three reasons why your leadership team should invest in a set for your school.
1. Help pupils self-regulate emotions
Mindful Mats provide pupils with structured movement activities that help pupils manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. The mats can be used as part of sensory circuits or brain breaks to help pupils transition into a learning-ready state, reducing classroom disruptions and promoting emotional wellbeing.
2. Promote physical and mental balance
Particularly beneficial for neurodiverse pupils, sensory circuits created with Mindful Mats include alerting, organising, and calming activities. These short routines, lasting 10-15 minutes, improve balance, coordination, and self-regulation to support sensory processing needs, helping pupils feel calm and prepared to learn.
3. Reduce teacher workload with ready-to-use resources
Mindful Mats are simple, lightweight, and easy for pupils to set up and pack away themselves. The mats come with a variety of pre-designed activities that can be used for PE, brain breaks, or classroom transitions; ready-to-use resources to support wellbeing.
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Why are mindful mats essential for schools today?
Rising concerns around children’s mental health and wellbeing mean that teachers need practical, accessible tools to help pupils self-regulate their emotions and manage stress. Mindful Mats offers a simple way to achieve this while incorporating movement into everyday routines.
For teachers, these mats are an effective way to support a wide range of pupils, particularly those who struggle with focus, anxiety, or sensory needs.
The activities promote teamwork, creativity, and independence, helping pupils build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Mindful Mats are also compatible with PE and Sport Premium funding, making them an easy investment for schools.
How can teachers use mindful mats?
Mindful Mats can be used in various ways to enhance classroom and PE sessions:
- In PE: Use mats like the “Flow Mat” to introduce slow, Tai Chi-inspired movements that promote balance, control, and calmness. These exercises help pupils transition back into classroom activities.
- In the classroom: Use the “Route Mat” or “Maze Mat” during brain breaks to refocus pupils and regulate their energy levels. For more dynamic exercises, the “Jump and Turn” mat helps release pent-up energy in pupils who might be restless or distracted.
- Breathing techniques: Teachers can use breathing exercises alongside the mats to maximise their calming effect, helping pupils to focus on their breathing as they move through the circuit.
In a period of time where we understand your diversity, anxiety and pupil well-being much better, Mindful Mats are a practical, effective tool for supporting pupils through mindfulness and movement. Supporting pupil cognitive engagement helps pupils develop healthier coping strategies and improve focus throughout the school day.
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