The session plans are intended to be used consecutively in the order presented. The skills presented in one session are usually built upon in the next. This cumulative, progressive approach is recommended because it has been found to have the most impact.

Each session is designed to last approximately 45 minutes.

For maximum effect, it is recommended that there is not more than a week between each session. Presenting the sessions in a concentrated block (eg daily over a fortnight, or weekly for half a term) is the best way to ensure that the skills are embedded and pupils are confident enough to apply the skills in their own time in the future. Experience has shown that if the gap between one session and the next is longer than a week, pupils tend to forget what they have learnt in-between.

If pupils take all eight sessions, they are likely to remember what they have been shown and apply it in the future. Fewer sessions, and long gaps between each session, may make it harder for pupils to remember the skills. However, it is not imperative to do all eight sessions – once you are familiar with delivering relaxation sessions, you may prefer to choose one or two sessions as appropriate.

The sessions are suitable for use with pupils of all ages, from KS1 to KS5. However, you should be prepared to adapt the activities to suit the needs, ages and size of your group. In addition, you should be aware of any pupils who may be vulnerable to contraindications, and if you have pupils in the group who have special educational needs, you should ensure that they are adequately catered for.

The resources that are needed for the session are listed in this part of each session plan. It is assumed that you have already identified a suitable environment in which to hold the sessions. Most sessions require pupils to find their preferred relaxation position, so they will need mats (PE or yoga mats) if they are going to lie down, or chairs if they are going to sit. Several activities involve playing music for pupils to listen to.

Guidance on an initial warm-up activity is described in this part of each session plan. The activity could be:

• an everyday relaxation activity
• a group relaxation activity
• an introduction to or reminder of the group agreement
• an evaluation of how stressed/tense pupils generally feel or feel today.

The main exercises to be covered in a session are outlined in this part. Use the links to the Techniques section for further guidance on the techniques described, including how to use the scripts.

Ideas for suitable ways to end the session are described here. The activity could be:

• an everyday relaxation activity
• a group relaxation activity
• an evaluation of how the session went/how pupils feel after the session, etc, or of the whole series of sessions (if this is the last).