Embedding the principles of mindfulness into all relevant policies helps provide more formal support for the school’s approach to mindfulness. Mindfulness can be woven into a range of policies that are relevant to the school, including, but not limited to, the examples below:
- Behaviour management policies;
- Mental health and/or bullying policies;
- Code of conduct;
- Values statements; and
- Health and physical activity policies.
Mindfulness should be also embedded into relevant whole-school practices such as discussing mindfulness at staff meetings, parent evenings and assemblies. The most practical use of mindfulness throughout the school can be seen in the management of poor student behaviour.
Strategies for Implementation
What is it
Finding ways of integrating mindfulness in to all relevant school policies
How it works
By embedding mindfulness into all relevant school policies, mindfulness is more likely to be embedded into the school's every day practice.
Instructions
Review of all school policies to add mindfulness to all relevant policies to ensure it is truly embedded as a whole-school approach. Policies to review include the school's: 1: Behaviour management policy; 2: Bullying Policy; 3: Values statements; 4: Code of Conduct; 5: Mental health or wellbeing policy
What is it
Using mindfulness to work with young people or staff who are emotionally triggered.
How it works
There are many techniques available for dealing with challenging behaviour in a mindful way. Schools may select a number of strategies to use throughout the school when dealing with behaviour issues.
Instructions
Doing breath work before dealing with any issue, dealing with issues in an outdoor setting not in an office, committing to a cool off period before discussing problems, recognising that some more challenging young people will not be able to take part in normal class activities some days and finding other ways they can help in the school.
Who's Behind it
School Leadership Team
What is it
Finding ways of integrating mindfulness in to the bullying policy
How it works
By embedding mindfulness into all relevant school policies, mindfulness is more likely to be embedded into the school's every day practice.
Instructions
Review of all school policies to add mindfulness to all relevant policies to ensure it is truly embedded as a whole-school approach
What is it
Each school commits to a daily mindfulness or meditation activity that works for them.
How it works
Through MMA's whole school self assessment your school will be able to determine its capacity for mindfulness and meditation and a dedicated daily practice will be recommended based on your schools individual desire and need.
Instructions
The practice can be as simple as doing a 'Body Breath' after each break, a five minute meditation, or playing a recorded meditation from MMA or Smiling Mind, schools also might consider doing a daily meditation over the PA system.
What is it
Gives parents strategies to integrate simple mindfulness techniques at home