Programmes on Contemplative and Mindfulness Based Education
Below you will find a list in alphabetical order of programmes that to our knowledge are currently running which teach contemplative and mindfulness based education, or which have a strong element of this, to children, young people and adults who work in educational settings such as schools and universities.
We include details such as who provides the programme, its scope, theory it is based on, the target audience, what you need to do to attend a course, the cost, and the state of their evaluation. We have done our best to ensure quality by including only substantial programmes that are fairly well established, driven by a sound theory, have been or are being subjected to scientific evaluation, or are explicitly based on an evidence base of a robust kind.
However do note that we are acting as an information hub only, and we have not evaluated these programmes and are not claiming to be able to endorse or recommend them. You will need to make your own enquiries and see if they are right for your context.
If you have or know of programmes we have missed please let us know via email to office(at)mindandlife-europe.org.
Overview of Programmes
Click on the provider's name to learn more about its programme/s.
- Achtsame Acht Wochen (Mindfulness practice for teachers). German programme for teachers, combining mindfulness, psycho-education, coping strategies. It trains teachers to teach AISCHU ? Achtsamkeit in der Schule (Mindfulness practice in schools) curriculum for ages 10-18.
- CARE for Teachers and Administrators. Developing resilience following a mindfulness-based intervention. Originated in US, programme taught across world.
- Hand in Hand. EU-Erasmus +Project that has been running in Croatia, Germany, Slovenia, Sweden and partly in Denmark. Mindfulness as part of a social, emotional and inter(trans)cultural learning program. Versions for school staff (teachers, leaders and counsellors) and for 8th grade pupils.
- Healthy Learning Mind ? Finnish wellbeing programme developing and cultivating mindfulness and SEL skills among nursery and school personnel, leaders in education and students.
- Jigsaw. UK programme, 5-13 year olds, mindfulness as part of a social and emotional curriculum.
- Mind with Heart.UK/French programmes. Connected teachers, teachers? programme, combining mindfulness and SEL, tools for own well-being and emotional health and Connected with Myself, teachers programme to teach the Connected with Myself curriculum to 11-18 year olds.
- Mindfulness in Schools Project. Suite of 5 connected courses focusing on mindfulness, (Paws B; .b; . begin; Learn to teach .b Foundations; School Mindfulness Lead training) between them covering: primary (5-11), secondary (11-18), teachers, parents, school leaders. Originated in UK, taught across Europe.
- MindUp. US programme taught across Europe. Uses a whole school framework, training and curriculum combining mindfulness, SEL and neuroscience education for teachers of 5-14 year olds.
- MoMento. Swiss mindfulness and SEL programme that offers teacher trainings, four distinct curricula for children aged 5 ? 18 as well as other components for a whole school approach. It is also implemented under the names BREATHE in Education and RESPIRA en Educación in other countries.
- SEE Learning TM. US based programme taught all over the world. For all levels. Framework for educational context organized on three dimensions: (1) Awareness, (2) Compassion, (3) Engagement, each can be taught across three domains: (1) Personal, (2) Social, and (3) Systems.
- The Present. UK teachers? course to deliver a curriculum for 3-14, combining mindfulness and SEL, across the curriculum with ideas for ongoing implementation.
- Youth Mindfulness. Offering Mindfulness for Life, a mindfulness course for adults; the SOMA programme, a mindfulness-based wellbeing programme for teens/young adults; and The Kids Programme, a mindfulness curriculum for schools, combining MBSR and Plum Village/ Wake Up schools approach.
- Wake Up Schools by Plum Village. Offers two levels of teacher education in the Plum Village/Thich Nhat Hanh approach to mindfulness in schools.
- Compassion in Schools (currently under development). UK and Portuguese teacher education programme. Mindfulness as part of developing compassion and compassionate practices, also includes evolutionary basis of emotions, tricky brain, stress, self-blame and developing compasionate flow/school ethos.
- Compassion in the Classroom (currently under development). UK and Portuguese pupil education programme aimed at pupils transitioning schools (e.g. 10-12) in the UK and elementary aged pupils (Portugal). Mindfulness as part of emotion regulation, also includes ?what is compassion?? and balancing the three systems of the mind (threat, drive & soothing) via mindful and compassionate imagery practices.
- Compassion Mind Training Program for Parents (currently under development). Portuguese ?parent curriculum?.
Programmes in Europe
Achtsame Schulen Schweiz
MoMento
Provider | Achtsame Schulen Schweiz |
Website and contact | Website: https://www.achtsameschulen.ch e-Mail: contact(at)achtsameschulen.ch |
Programme name, style, components | MoMento A whole school approach offering two basic entry components (8-week teacher training and classroom curricula implemented by the teachers) as well as five complementary components on 1) deepening the practice (for teachers & staff); 2) mainstreaming mindfulness into subject matters; 3)* additional tools and strategies for specific school staff (psychologists, social workers, remedial teachers, etc.); 4)* training and working with parents; and 5)* an institutional component to cooperate with principals and teams to introduce mindfulness into regular school structures (* in development). The two basic components are also publicly available through open training courses. |
Materials and form of delivery | Open teacher training courses or trainings for whole school teams. Handbook for teachers (on personal mindfulness practice and mindful teaching) and four age-specific curricula for students. Handbook and curricula are handed out at training courses, no direct/open purchase. |
Target group | Teachers, school staff, caregivers, children, parents, whole schools |
Training provided | Basic entry course: 8-week teacher training (8 x 2 hours), then according to which additional components are chosen and implemented. |
Teacher prerequisites | None except for an initial interest in the practice (voluntary sign up). |
Cost | Depending on context and setup. Open courses for teachers: 490 CHF |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Only internal evaluations have been conducted so far. |
Country | Switzerland. |
Language | German. |
CREATE
CARE for Teachers and Administrators
Provider | CREATE - https://createforeducation.org |
Website and contact | Delivered in the Netherlands and Belgium by Patries Dekkers Delivered in English speaking countries by Amy Burke and Kevin Hawkins |
Programme name, style, components | CARE for Teachers and Administrators |
Materials and form of delivery | 3 Days of face-to-face learning or equivalent divided into regular shorter meetings over months with workbook |
Target group | Educators and Administrators teaching 5 ? 16 years |
Training provided | Upon request. |
Teacher prerequisites | None. |
Cost | 695 Euros per participant, discount for more than one participant per school or organisation. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | The results provide solid evidence that CARE has significant positive impacts on teachers? well-being. CARE reduces personal distress and the stress associated with time pressure and improves emotion regulation and self-reported mindfulness. In addition, CARE demonstrates significant effects on improving teaching. Teachers who received CARE are rated as more emotionally supportive and as more productive compared to those in the control group. CARE not only improves the well-being of teachers, but that it also has ?downstream? effects on the classroom environment.
More references to CARE research can be found at: https://createforeducation.org/care/care-research/ |
Country | Originated in the US. Taught across the world. In Europe it is delivered in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK (UK is forthcoming). |
Language | Dutch and English, and is run in other languages through translators. |
Educational Research Institute - SI / Society for Promotion of Life Wisdom - DK / Institute for Social Science Research - HR / Mid Sweden University - SE
HAND IN HAND (teachers, school staff and leaders)
Provider | Educational Research Institute (Slovenia) / Society for Promotion of Life Wisdom (Denmark) / Institute for Social Science Research (Croatia) / Mid Sweden University (Sweden) |
Website and contact | Website: www.handinhand.si e-Mail: info(at)handinhand.si |
Programme name, style, components | HAND IN HAND social, emotional and inter(trans)cultural learning program for school staff (version for teachers and version for school leaders and counsellors). 4 modules delivered in 6 full days for teachers and in 2 full days for school leaders and counsellors with aim of supporting social, emotional and inter(trans) cultural competencies and relational competence. |
Materials and form of delivery | Open access manuals and materials available at www.handinhand.si. |
Target group | Teachers, school leaders, school counsellors, students (8th grade). |
Training provided | Upon request. |
Teacher prerequisites | Training with trainers. |
Cost | Manuals and materials are open access available, training upon request. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | The programmes have been evaluated in experimental design with control groups in three countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden and on a smaller scale in Denmark (materials are available also in Danish and German). |
Country | Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany. |
Language | Slovene, Croatian, Swedish, Danish, German. |
HAND IN HAND (students)
Provider | Educational Research Institute (Slovenia) / Society for Promotion of Life Wisdom (Denmark) / Institute for Social Science Research (Croatia) / Mid Sweden University (Sweden) |
Website and contact | Website: www.handinhand.si e-Mail: info(at)handinhand.si |
Programme name, style, components | HAND IN HAND social, emotional and inter(trans)cultural learning program for students. 5 modules delivered once a week in 90 minutes sessions with aim of supporting social, emotional and inter(trans) cultural competencies. |
Materials and form of delivery | Open access manuals and materials available at www.handinhand.si. |
Target group | Teachers, school leaders, school counsellors, students (8th grade). |
Training provided | Upon request. |
Teacher prerequisites | Training with trainers. |
Cost | Manuals and materials are open access available, training upon request. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | The programmes have been evaluated in experimental design with control groups in three countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden and on a smaller scale in Denmark (materials are available also in Danish and German). |
Country | Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany. |
Language | Slovene, Croatian, Swedish, Danish, German. |
Emory University - Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-based Ethics (CCSCBE)
Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning SEEL?
Provider | Emory University - Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-based Ethics CCSCBE |
Website and contact | USA Germany/Austria Italy Spain Switzerland Ukraine |
Programme name, style, components | SEE learning is a SEL programme for 5 -18 year olds, enhanced by components on mindfulness/attention training, the cultivation of compassion for self and others, resiliency skills based on trauma-informed care, systems thinking, and ethical discernment. It contains age-specific curricula comprised of thirty 40-minute long learning experiences (lessons) divided into eight chapters (units) covering the Personal, Social, and Systems domains. The curriculum also incorporates feedback from educators in the U.S., Europe, and India who have piloted it in their classrooms since 2017. It is supported by educator preparation, facilitator certification, and on-going professional development. |
Materials and form of delivery | SEE Learning 101 Online Orientation Course can be accessed for free at https://seelearning.emory.edu/user/register The first two chapters of the age specific curricula, the companion (manual) and other resources can be downloaded for free on https://seelearning.emory.edu/recursos-investigación Upon completing the SEE Learning 101 Online Orientation Course (free) access is granted to the full curriculum. Educator workshop: 3-4 days or equivalent delivered face-to-face. Online version is currently being piloted. Facilitator training: 3-4 days face-to-face + 9 months online. |
Target group | Children age 5-18 and educators teaching in K-12 educational settings. |
Training provided | By Emory University and affiliated organizations (see contacts). |
Teacher prerequisites | Teachers: No pre-requisites are required Facilitators: Only facilitators linked to affiliated organizations can be enrolled in the facilitator training program. |
Cost | All materials can be downloaded for free. Trainings are free or offered at minimal costs. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | - The programme creators take the view that there is no single ?right? way to bring SEE Learning to a community and have a keen interest in what works best for different sites and communities while maintaining effectiveness. SEE Learning is therefore partnering with schools, regions, and educational communities in various parts of the world to create and study the effectiveness of diverse research, evaluation and implementation strategies. This is currently work in progress. - Research and evaluation at Emory University where the programme originated is being carried out in schools in Atlanta. The programme is currently developing standardized measures for fidelity and other implementation measures, to be followed in due course by outcome measures. - SEE Learning continues to attempt to deepen the conceptual understanding of compassion within the context of education, human development, and cultural variation at the personal, interpersonal, and systems levels of experiences. There are ongoing conceptual development projects around topics including social justice, equity, ethical intelligence, and resilience. |
Countries | Training for teachers is delivered currently in the US, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Ukraine, Romania, Czech Republic, Italy, India, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Mongolia, and Canada. SEE Learning continues to establish and seek out collaborations with schools and organizations throughout the world. |
Language | Manual is currently available in English, French, Korean, Spanish, Tibetan, Mongolian and Portuguese. Translation of other materials and into other languages is ongoing. |
Healthy Learning Mind - Terve Oppiva Mieli
Healthy Learning Mind ? wellbeing program for nursery and school personnel and leaders in education
Provider | Healthy Learning Mind - team |
Website and contact | Website: http://www.terveoppivamieli.fi/en/ |
Programme name, style, components | Healthy Learning Mind Module II is a 6-week online course that offers practical tools for implementing mindfulness and SEL tools in nurseries and schools. In the course material it is presented e.g. how to introduce mindfulness and SEL skills to students in different age groups and how to implement mindfulness practices and SEL tools into daily routines at nurseries and schools. Eventually, the goal of the module is to promote the learning and wellbeing among young learners. Wellbeing program for leaders in education |
Materials and form of delivery | Both wellbeing programs are delivered as online courses. During the courses participants get access to theory videos, guided mindfulness audios, attached literature and online webinars that are instructed by mindfulness teachers. Support for individual mindfulness practice is available by mindfulness teachers during the course. Teaching material is available for participants who enroll in the course. Participants get access to Teachers? Guide that includes information regarding the implementation of mindfulness and guided mindfulness audios and videos for students in different age groups. |
Target group: | School leaders, early childhood educators, teachers, school counsellors and students. |
Training provided | Wellbeing program for nursery and school personnel 6-week online course, module II: Wellbeing program for leaders in education |
Teacher prerequisites | No previous experience of mindfulness needed. |
Cost | Euros 150-200 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Healthy Learning Mind ? intervention study on effectiveness of mindfulness practices on wellbeing, mental health and learning among 12-15 year old Finnish students (N=3519): Research article: Volanen S ? M., Lassander M., Hankonen N., Santalahti P., Hintsanen M., Simonsen N., Raevuori A., Mullola S., Vahlberg T., But A. & Suominen S. (2019). Healthy Learning Mind - Effectiveness of a mindfulness program on mental health compared to a relaxation program and teaching as usual in schools: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 260: 660-669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.087 Healthy Learning Mind ? feasibility study on effectiveness of mindfulness practices among Finnish school personnel and implementation of mindfulness practices into schools: |
Country | Finland. |
Language | Finnish. |
Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie/ Staatliches Schulamt Frankfurt Main / Vera Kaltwasser / OStR / AkiJu Berlin
Achtsame Acht Wochen ? Mindfulness Practice for Teachers
Provider | Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie / Staatliches Schulamt Frankfurt Main / Vera Kaltwasser / OStR / AKiJu Berlin |
Website and contact | Website and contact: www.aischu.de, www.akiju.de, www.vera-kaltwasser.de |
Programme name, style, components | Achtsame Acht Wochen ? Mindfulness Practice for Teachers - Curriculum starting in der first class of ?Gymnasium? up to Abitur. Motivational phase, //Psychoeducation (stress-physiology, information about body-mind-relationship), Embodiment, Positive Psychology// Sitting Meditation// Standing Meditation// Mindful Movements, Guided Meditations, Mindful Dialogue, Self-Compassion// Compassion// Inquiry// Group work// Mindful Journaling // Coping Strategies regarding addiction (cf. digital media). |
Materials and form of delivery | ?Praxisbuch Achtsamkeit in der Schule?, Beltz, Weinheim 2016 |
Target group | Teachers. |
Training provided | Upon request. |
Teacher prerequisites | MBSR-course AND at least 2 years practice. |
Cost | Depends. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Vera Kaltwasser, Sebastian Sauer, Niko Kohls, Mindfulness in German Schools: [MISCHO]? A specifically Tailored Training Program: Concept, Implementation and Empirical Results in: Schmidt, S. (2014): Meditation, Neuroscientific Approaches and Philosophical Implications. Heidelberg: Springer, S. 381-404: Weber, A ,. Kretschmer, M., Uhlemayr, M. (2016): ?Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU): EinKonzept zur Integration von Achtsamkeit in den Schulalltag?, . In G. E. Dlugosch, J. Fluck & C. Marquardt (Hrsg.), Gesundheit und Bildung: Schülergesundheit (Empirische Pädagogik, 30 (2), Themenheft). Landau: Verlag Empirische Pädagogik. |
Country | Germany. |
Language | German. |
AISCHU ? Achtsamkeit in der Schule
Provider | Hessische Lehrkräfteakademie / Staatliches Schulamt Frankfurt Main / Vera Kaltwasser / OStR / AKiJu Berlin |
Website and contact | Website and contact: www.aischu.de, www.akiju.de, www.vera-kaltwasser.de |
Programme name, style, components | AISCHU ? Achtsamkeit in der Schule ? Curriculum Motivational phase, //Psychoeducation (stress-physiology, information about body-mind-relationship), Embodiment, Positive Psychology// Sitting Meditation// Standing Meditation// Mindful Movements, Guided Meditations, Mindful Dialogue, Self-Compassion// Compassion// Inquiry// Group work// Mindful Journaling // Coping Strategies regarding addiction (cf. digital media). |
Materials and form of delivery | ?Praxisbuch Achtsamkeit in der Schule?, Beltz, Weinheim 2016 |
Target group | Pupils - Age 10 to 18; German System: first class of ?Gymnasium? up to Abitur. |
Training provided | Upon request. |
Teacher prerequisites | MBSR-course AND at least 2 years practice. |
Cost | Depends. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Vera Kaltwasser, Sebastian Sauer, Niko Kohls, Mindfulness in German Schools: [MISCHO]? A specifically Tailored Training Program: Concept, Implementation and Empirical Results in: Schmidt, S. (2014): Meditation, Neuroscientific Approaches and Philosophical Implications. Heidelberg: Springer, S. 381-404: Weber, A ,. Kretschmer, M., Uhlemayr, M. (2016): ?Achtsamkeit in der Schule (AISCHU): EinKonzept zur Integration von Achtsamkeit in den Schulalltag?, . In G. E. Dlugosch, J. Fluck & C. Marquardt (Hrsg.), Gesundheit und Bildung: Schülergesundheit (Empirische Pädagogik, 30 (2), Themenheft). Landau: Verlag Empirische Pädagogik. |
Country | Germany. |
Language | German. |
Jigsaw - the mindful approach to PSHE
Jigsaw Teaching and Learning Programme
Provider | Jigsaw - the mindful approach to PSHE |
Website and contact | Website: https://www.jigsawpshe.com/ e-Mail: office(at)janlevergroup.com |
Programme name, style, components | Jigsaw Teaching and Learning Programme includes elements of mindfulness within is a PSHE/RSE programme in a spiral, progressive scheme of work. Elements of mindfulness include awareness of thoughts and emotions, concentration, focus and visualisation. |
Materials and form of delivery | Teaching Programmes can be bought the Jigsaw website. |
Target group | Teachers of 3-11 and 11-16 year olds. |
Training provided | Schools buy the curriculum materials and receive free on-going mentor and online support with free updates. Additional training and support at additional cost. |
Teacher prerequisites | None. |
Cost | Primary whole school set of materials £1995 + VAT (& delivery). Secondary whole school set of materials £1450 + VAT |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Qualitative study published by the programme, undertaken by Sheffield Hallam Uni, suggested acceptability and perceived usefulness of the programme by 195 teachers in 101 schools, and measured the impact on 812 children?s emotional literacy using a standardised emotional literacy assessment tool. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Mind With Heart
Connected teachers
Provider | Mind With Heart |
Website and contact | Website: https://www.mindwithheart.org/ e-Mail: info(at)mindwithheart.org |
Programme name, style, components | Connected teachers mindfulness and SEL tools for teachers own well-being and emotional health. |
Materials and form of delivery | Materials available to those who take the course. These include participant booklet, access to video clips, slides, guided audios. |
Target group | Teachers and educator. |
Training provided | 18 hours (9 x 2-hour sessions). Also online course 12 hours (8 x 1.5 hours). |
Teacher prerequisites | Interest in mindfulness expected. |
Cost | 18 hours: £360 / Online: £150 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Hwang et al (2019) Cluster RCT (N=185) educators in 20 schools received intervention to improve own wellbeing. Impacts in teachers on reduced perceived stress and sleep difficulty, increases in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive reappraisal in emotion regulation. Medium to large effect sizes, post intervention and 6-weeks later. Improved educator wellbeing impacted on students? sense of connectedness to teachers, without any interventions for students. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Connected with Myself
Provider | Mind With Heart |
Website and contact | Website: https://www.mindwithheart.org/ e-Mail: info(at)mindwithheart.org |
Programme name, style, components | Connected with Myself |
Materials and form of delivery | Materials available to those who take the course. These include participant booklet, access to video clips, slides, guided audios. |
Target group | Teachers of 11-18 year olds. |
Training provided | 3 day training course (18 hours). |
Teacher prerequisites | Familiarity with mindfulness. |
Cost | £360 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Qualitative study undertaken by researcher at Montpellier University, publication forthcoming. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Connected with Others
Provider | Mind With Heart |
Website and contact | Website: https://www.mindwithheart.org/ e-Mail: info(at)mindwithheart.org |
Programme name, style, components | Connected with Others |
Materials and form of delivery | Materials available to those who take the course. These include participant booklet, access to video clips, slides, guided audios. |
Target group | Teachers of 11-18 year olds. |
Training provided | 3 day training course (18 hours). |
Teacher prerequisites | Familiarity expected with SEL. |
Cost | £360 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Qualitative study undertaken by MA student at the Institute of Education, UCL. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Mindfulness in School Project
.b
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | .b Classroom/ curriculum based, stand alone mindfulness lessons. ?expertly crafted to teach a distinct mindfulness skill?. Based on content and principles of MBCT/MBSR adapted for children. |
Materials and form of delivery | Scripts and materials for 10 lessons taught by classroom teachers or those working in youth-based contexts: slides, animations, exercises, worksheets and supporting materials. Materials only available to those who have done the training. |
Target group | 11-18 years. |
Training provided | Teach .b 4-day training course |
Teacher prerequisites | Completed an 8-week mindfulness course (MBSR/MBCT or equivalent) and have been practising mindfulness for at least 2-3 months. |
Cost | £760 + VAT (supported places available) |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Kuyken et al (2013) |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
.begin
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | .begin |
Materials and form of delivery | On line materials. |
Target group | Teachers, school staff, educators, parents, volunteers and others in schools. |
Training provided | 8 x 90 minute sessions, face to face instructor-led, on line, connecting with a group. |
Teacher prerequisites | No experience of mindfulness needed. Employed or volunteer in an educational setting or parent/ carer of a child. |
Cost | £150 + VAT for those in maintained schools. £195 + VAT otherwise. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
.breathe
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | .breathe Combines SEL, mindfulness, neuroscience to introduce mindfulness as part of PSHE lessons and to support pre and post school transition. Taster of mindfulness for novice staff. |
Materials and form of delivery | 4 scripted lessons, 30-60 mins taught once a week by classroom teachers. Classroom based, taught in PSHE/RSE curriculum or stand alone. Slides, animations, exercises, worksheets and supporting materials. |
Target group | 9-14 years. |
Training provided | One day training |
Teacher prerequisites | None - unlike the other MISP programmes it?s a taster. However, a commitment to engage in mindfulness practice during the course and ideally beyond is part of the Terms and Conditions for this course. |
Cost | £195 + VAT |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | No specific research on this programme. Originally part of ?Healthy Minds? PSHE curriculum programme for 11-14. Bounce Forward/ LSE partnership, funded by EEF. Small positive impacts on self-reported health measures, smaller impacts on behavioural and emotional well-being measures. NB small increase in anxiety levels. http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/101236/1/Lordan_healthy_minds_the_positive_impact.pdf |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Learn to teach .b foundations
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | Learn to teach .b foundations |
Materials and form of delivery | 8 x 90-minute sessions and an Introductory session |
Target group | Teachers qualified to teach adult mindfulness course with a view to working in school settings. |
Training provided | 3-day training |
Teacher prerequisites | Recognised teacher training qualification mindfulness for adults. Taught 2 x 8 week courses (e.g. MBCT), Personal MFM practice. |
Cost | £515 + VAT |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Beshai et al (2015) |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Paws B
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | Paws B. Classroom/ curriculum based, stand-alone mindfulness lessons. ?expertly crafted to teach a distinct mindfulness skill?. Based on content and principles of MBCT/MBSR adapted for children. |
Materials and form of delivery | Scripts and materials for 12-lessons taught as by classroom teachers or those working in youth-based contexts: slides, animations, exercises, worksheets and supporting materials. |
Target group | 7-10 years. |
Training provided | Teach Paws B: 3-day training course |
Teacher prerequisites | Completed an 8-week mindfulness course (MBSR/MBCT or equivalent) and have been practising mindfulness for at least 2-3 months. |
Cost | £565 + VAT (supported places available) |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Vickery and Dorjee (2016). Controlled study of 9-year-olds (N= 71) from 3 UK primary school. Showed significant decreases in negative affect at follow-up, with a large effect size and small positive improvements in meta-cognition relative to controls. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.02025/full |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
School mindfulness lead training
Provider | Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindfulnessinschools.org/ |
Programme name, style, components | School mindfulness lead training |
Materials and form of delivery | 8 x 90-minute sessions and an Introductory session ?? is that correct is an RESIDENTIAL TRAINING Note: this information still needs to be checked. |
Target group | Must have trained to teach .b or Paws b curriculum and taught these courses at least twice. Must be employed by, or in long term relationship with, the school community in which .b Foundations will be taught to adults. |
Training provided | 6.5 days residential training |
Teacher prerequisites | .b and Paws b teachers. |
Cost | £1,265 + VAT |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Evaluation of the .b Foundations programme, see above. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
The Goldie Hawn Foundation
MindUP
Provider | The Goldie Hawn Foundation |
Website and contact | Website: https://mindup.org/ e-Mail UK: info(at)mindup.org.uk / e-Mail US: Hello(at)MindUP.org |
Programme name, style, components | MindUP Whole school framework, training and curriculum ?to create a positive school wide culture and climate... knowledge and understanding of neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and daily practices to affect positive change both within the classroom and at home?. |
Materials and form of delivery | 15 lesson curriculum for students published as 3 age related manuals. Can be bought on the web. |
Target group | 4-13 years; teachers; parents. |
Training provided | Three days of school training are provided (1 per term) involving school-based training, parent workshops and impact evaluation tools. This takes place over 3 terms. |
Teacher prerequisites | None. Dedicated MindUP consultant works with school as a whole to embed the programme, |
Cost | £2,000 (1 form entry) Bespoke costing for smaller & larger schools/settings. All training & trainer and parent resources. 3 term whole school training. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Summary and links to the papers at https://uk.mindup.org/research/ de Carvalho et al, (2017). Quasi-experimental study (N = 454) 8-9 year olds and 20 teachers. Significant increases in regulation of emotions, positive affect, and self-compassion, and decreased negative emotions. Improvements to teachers? wellbeing. Schonert-Reichl and Lawlor (2010) Control group design, 9-12-year olds (N= 246) Significant improvements on a wide range of (teacher-rated) aspects of social and emotional learning, such as aggression, behavioural dysregulation, and social competence, greater self-reported optimism and mindful attention. Schonert-Reichl et al, (2015) RCT (N=99) 9-10 year olds. Significant increases in wide range of social and emotional skills, executive function, mindful attention, decreased depressive symptoms, enjoyment of school and gains in maths scores. |
Country | United States and United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
The Present Courses CIC
The Present Courses
Provider | The Present Courses CIC |
Website and contact | Website: https://thepresentcourses.org/ e-Mail: info(at)thepresentcourses.org |
Programme name, style, components | The Present Course is an approach delivered by school staff weaving learning through everyday activities in school combining mindfulness and SEL, supporting learning across the curriculum, introduced over 14 weeks and offers an on-going structure to continue implementation. |
Materials and form of delivery | Teaching manual for those who have done the course. |
Target group | 3-14 year olds. |
Training provided | 3-day training course plus implementation support for 12 months via Zoom meetings. Training is offered in a locality wherever possible to create a local team. Two free places in exchange for venue for training. |
Teacher prerequisites | Completed an 8-week mindfulness course (MBSR/MBCT, The Present for Adults or equivalent) and have an established mindfulness practice. |
Cost | £385? £495 depending on group size. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Small-scale interview-based study (N=8) with Key Stage 1 (3-7 year olds). Parents reported improvements in the children?s emotional well-being. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Youth Mindfulness
One year teacher training for mindfulness for life
Provider | Youth Mindfulness |
Website and contact | Website: https://youthmindfulness.org/ e-Mail: info(at)youthmindfulness.org |
Programme name, style, components | One year teacher training for mindfulness for life |
Materials and form of delivery | Training centres on two retreats and 4 non-residential weekends. Self-study includes personal practice, reading, online content, meet in person or virtually with a peer group from within the training group. Practice one ?day of mindfulness? every two months alone or in local group. |
Target group | Adults who want to teach mindfulness. |
Training provided | 2 x 5 day retreat plus 4 x 2 day non-residential |
Teacher prerequisites | No pre-requisites other than a demonstrated intent to engage deeply with the programme learning and content. |
Cost | £2,195 if paid in full in advance. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Simpson et al (2019) |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
SOMA programme
Provider | Youth Mindfulness |
Website and contact | Website: https://youthmindfulness.org/ e-Mail: info(at)youthmindfulness.org |
Programme name, style, components | SOMA programme - a flexible, responsive and trauma-informed mindfulness-based wellbeing programme for teens and young adults taking a discursive and group-learning approach to explore themes of mindfulness, character strengths, gratitude, kindness, agency and meaning and purpose. |
Materials and form of delivery | Materials available to those who have done the course. Uses communication practices, team building games, the exploration of character strengths and values. Powerpoints, audio clips, videos, mini lectures. |
Target group | 12-21 years. |
Training provided | 5-day training course. |
Teacher prerequisites | Participants must have completed an 8-week mindfulness course (MBSR/MBCT or equivalent) and have been practising mindfulness for at least 6 months. |
Cost | £595 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Simpson et al (2019) |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
The Kids Programme
Provider | Youth Mindfulness |
Website and contact | Website: https://youthmindfulness.org/ e-Mail: info(at)youthmindfulness.org |
Programme name, style, components | The Kids Programme an in-depth introduction to mindfulness delivered by educators and classroom teachers. Drawing on positive psychology, MBSR and Plum Village/ Wake Up schools approach, the programme explores the cultivation of mindfulness, gratitude and kindness. |
Materials and form of delivery | 16 one-hour lessons over 8 weeks. Teaching materials only available to those who have done the training. |
Target group | 7-11 years. |
Training provided | 5-day training course. |
Teacher prerequisites | Participants must have completed an 8-week mindfulness course (MBSR/MBCT or equivalent) and have been practising for at least 6 months. |
Cost | £595 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Wake Up Schools by Plum Village
Wake Up Schools
Provider | Wake Up Schools by Plum Village, France |
Website and contact | Website: https://wakeupschools.org/ e-Mail: info(at)wakeupschools.org |
Programme name, style, components | Wake Up Schools |
Materials and form of delivery | Two levels of teacher training. Guidebook and books for young people can be bought on the web. |
Target group | Teachers and other educators. Books and materials for young people. |
Training provided | Teacher training Level I: Taking Care of the Teacher- retreat based. Run in many countries including the UK. Level 2: Teaching Mindfulness and Applied Ethics to Students a year long mentorship relationship with an experienced Plum Village Mindfulness Teacher. |
Teacher prerequisites | TT level 1 for anyone. TT level 2 attended a Plum Village retreat or Wake Up Schools Level I Training, and regular practice with mindfulness community. |
Cost | Retreat prices vary according to individual accommodation choices. ?350 is average for a week?s retreat, food, accommodation and teachings. |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Qualitative case studies and testimonies in the guidebook ?Happy Teachers Change the World: a guide to cultivating mindfulness through education? and film ?Happy teachers will change the world? ? see website. |
Country | United Kingdom. |
Language | English. |
Wake Up Schools (India)
Provider | Wake Up Schools India together with Ahimsa Trust |
Website and contact | Website: http://www.ahimsatrust.org/ e-Mail: ahimsa.trust(at)gmail.com |
Programme name, style, components | Cultivating Mindfulness (Online Course) |
Materials and form of delivery | Eight weekly sessions of two hours each, with two additional complimentary sessions. |
Target group | Educators. |
Training provided | The course will include talks, guided meditations, exercises in stress reduction and relaxation, mindful consumption, practices to restore and maintain good communication, group discussions, assignments, feedback/review, classroom activities for educators, songs as well as questions and answers. Dates: June 6 - August 8, 2020 (every Saturday - 3:30pm - 5.30pm, India Standard Time) The course will be conducted by the community of practitioners in India and led by Zen Teacher, Shantum Seth. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those who complete the course. |
Teacher prerequisites | n/a |
Cost | Suggested Donation Rupees 6,400/- per person |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Wake Up Schools in India: https://vimeo.com/98830096 |
Country | Online (from India). |
Language | English. |
Programmes currently under development
Compassion in Schools
Compassionate Mind Training Staff Continued Professional Development Curriculum / Compassionate Schools ? Compassion Mind Training Program for Teachers | Escolas Compassivas: Programa de treino da mente compassiva para professores (PEC - P)
Provider | University of Derby / Compassionate Mind Foundation / University of Coimbra, Portugal |
Website and contact | United Kingdom |
Programme name, style, components | Compassionate mind training (CMT) via 6 modules covering: 1. Definition of compassion stressing courage and wisdom, and nature of human mind. // 2. Exploration of emotions and the stress response, using the body to support the mind. // 3. Building the compassionate mind. // 4. Using the compassionate mind to address stress and emotional difficulties. // 5. Using the compassionate mind to address problems of self-criticism. // 6. Compassion & compassionate flows: a whole school ethos/use in everyday life. |
Materials and form of delivery | The staff continuing professional development (CPD) course is ran over 1 school term, with 1.5 hour modules bi-weekly to fit into staff twilight CPD allocation; and in Portugal comprising 2 hour weekly sessions delivered in after-classroom hours. |
Target group | Teachers, educators and those working in education, non-teaching staff (i.e. whole school ethos) in the first instance. |
Training provided | 3-day training course |
Teacher prerequisites | Essential: Recognized prior qualification or training in compassion mind training/compassion focused therapy. |
Cost | Cost of training in curriculum delivery to be confirmed. UK: Available from Spring 2021 / Portugal: Available from Spring 2021 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Maratos et al., (2019). Maratos, Matos et al. (accepted) Paper demonstrating international utility to be published in Psychology of Education Review in Fall 2020. |
Country | United Kingdom and Portugal. |
Language | English, Portuguese. |
Compassion in the Classroom ? Pupil Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) Curriculum / Compassionate Schools ? Compassion Mind Training Program for Pupils | Escolas Compassivas - Programa de treino da mente compassiva para alunos (PEC - A)
Provider | University of Derby/Compassionate Mind Foundation/University of Coimbra, Portugal |
Website and contact | United Kingdom |
Programme name, style, components | Compassion in the Classroom Well-being Curriculum delivered via 6 modules covering: 1. Talking openly and the three (emotion) systems of the mind. // 2. The drive system ? what triggers drive (brain and body) and how can we cope. Introducing Soothing rhythm breathing and calm/contented place. // 3. The threat system ? what triggers threat (brain and body) and how can we cope. Using Soothing rhythm breathing and calm/contented place. // 4. What is compassion? Developing a Compassionate Other (via words and pictures) & compassionate imagery. // 5. Balancing the three systems of the mind ? and how to use compassionate self to help. // 6. Developing the flow of compassion flow ? strategies and compassionate compliments activity. |
Materials and form of delivery | UK: The 6 modules are delivered over 1 school ½ term or term, and of 50 minutes in duration (i.e. designed to fit in standard personal, social, health and economic lesson time). The emphasis is on pupil engagement via games, free drawing and writing, acting, sharing and experiential practices. The latter experiential practices include simple controlled breathing, being mindful of emotions and calming/compassionate imagery practices to allow improved emotional and behavioural regulation. Portugal: 8 weekly modules with (50 minutes per week), after the school activities. The emphasis in on adapted experiential practices of compassion and mindfulness and include awareness of mind and body, controlled breathing, being mindful of emotions and calming/compassionate imagery practices, gratitude, reflection and discussion to improve emotional and behavioural regulation that allows to psychological well-being and pro social behaviors. The approach to concepts evoked in training is based in specific methods and materials for children. |
Target group | UK: Currently pupils in key transition phases e.g. Year 6 and Year 7 pupils aged 10-12. |
Training provided | 2-day training course needed to deliver pupil curriculum and access all materials |
Teacher prerequisites | UK: Recognized teacher training qualification in one of the following: well-being/social and emotional learning/compassion mind training/compassion focused therapy/counselling. |
Cost | Cost of training in curriculum delivery to be confirmed. UK: Available from Summer 2021 / Portugal: Available from September 2021 |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Several papers are in preparation, but in the first instance please see: https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-32/december-2019/schooling-compassion |
Country | United Kingdom and Portugal. |
Language | English, Portuguese. |
Compassionate Schools ? Compassion Mind Training Program for Parents I Escolas Compassivas - Programa de treino da mente compassiva para pais e mães (PEC - PM)
Provider | University of Derby/Compassionate Mind Foundation/University of Coimbra, Portugal |
Website and contact | Portugal UK: Programme still in development |
Programme name, style, components | The Compassionate Mind Training for parents is delivered via 2 Compassionate mind training (CMT) workshops of 8 hours that cover: 1. Definition of compassion stressing courage and wisdom, and nature of human mind. // 2. Exploration of emotions and the stress response, using the body to support the mind. // 3. Building the compassionate mind. // 4. Using the compassionate mind to address parenting challenges, stress and emotional difficulties, and problems within the parent-child relationship // 5. Using the compassionate mind to address problems of self-criticism. // 6. Compassion & compassionate flows: Embodiment of compassion in parenting and in everyday life. |
Materials and form of delivery | Two workshops days of 8 hours, taking place in two weekends. The emphasis in in experiential practices of compassion and mindfulness and include awareness of mind and body, controlled breathing, being mindful of emotions and calming/compassionate imagery practices, gratitude, reflection and discussion to improve emotional and behavioral regulation that allows to psychological well-being and pro social behaviors. The approach to concepts evoked in training is based in specific methods and materials for adapted for parents. |
Target group | Parents of children with ages between 3 and 12 years old. |
Training provided | 2-day training course needed to deliver pupil curriculum and access all materials |
Teacher prerequisites | Recognized teacher training qualification in one of the following: well-being/social and emotional learning/compassion mind training/compassion focused therapy focused/counseling. |
Cost | Cost of training in curriculum delivery to be confirmed. Portugal: Available from September 2021 / UK: TBC |
Research and evaluation, key findings, weblink | Several papers are in preparation. |
Country | Portugal (and at a later time the UK). |
Language | Portuguese (and at a later time English). |