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Trial plans to boost evidence about what works to support children's mental health

Education secretary Damian Hinds announced a scheme to introduce mindfulness into school curriculums, the largest trial of its kind.

As part of Children’s Mental Health week, nearly 400 schools across England will take part.

Led by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, the trial is due to be completed in 2021.

Regulate their emotions

The children will learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises.

The government claims it will help children regulate their emotions.

Dan Hayes, school trials manager at the centre spoke to City News about the strategy to support children’s mental health.

“There has been increased government funding around it recently…and this is one of the biggest mental health trials in the world…I think it’s brilliant,” explained Hayes.

Children’s Mental Health Week is encouraging children to look after their bodies and their minds.

Human flourishing

Experts claim mindfulness can be an important aspect of a child’s learning. It has been championed by the charity Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP).

Ben Chalwin, a manager at MiSP told City News how beneficial it can be.

“It gives the children a range of tools and practices to draw on when they need it. Both in terms of looking after their mental health but also, in a sense, human flourishing.”