The Calm Coach KS2 Programme

Children learn real, age-appropriate detail about how their nervous system works at this stage, including why they sometimes feel too much all at once, or strangely flat and switched off, and that neither is a character flaw, just their body trying to protect them. They build a full toolkit of practical tools they can choose between depending on how they feel, and older children in this age group are also introduced to using these tools in a more grown up way of their own.

Each session is around 10 minutes, pre-recorded, and ready to play. There’s nothing for staff to prepare, script or facilitate.

Every child’s nervous system is different, and that’s especially true for neurodivergent children, who may experience stress, sensory input and regulation in their own particular way. Every tool in this toolkit, heart breathing, the butterfly hug, the Three G’s and shake and sigh, is body based and can be used silently, without needing to explain or discuss how a child is feeling. This matters more at KS2, not less, as classroom expectations around verbal reflection and group discussion increase. Having a full set of wordless, self-directed options means children who find talking about emotions difficult, whether that’s due to communication differences, sensory overwhelm, or simply not having the words yet, still have genuine, independent ways to regulate.