Supporting Wellbeing and Personal Development in Schools
Helping Pupils, Staff and Parents Thrive
PSHE Wellbeing Workshops for KS1, KS2 and Secondary Schools
I work with schools to deliver practical wellbeing sessions that support the aims of PSHE education, helping pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their emotional wellbeing, relationships and everyday challenges both inside and outside the classroom. I have experience of working with neurodiverse children and those who have experienced early-life trauma.
My approach combines breathing education, mindfulness, nature-based wellbeing (including story time from my published book: The Forest’s Secret: Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellbeing Through Nature) and coaching techniques, providing pupils with simple tools they can use throughout their lives.
Sessions can be adapted for KS1, KS2 and secondary pupils, as well as for staff and parents.
Learning Outcomes by Key Stage
KS1 (Ages 5–7)
At this stage, children begin learning to recognise and express their feelings and develop early skills for calming themselves when they feel overwhelmed.
Sessions help pupils:
Recognise and name different feelings and emotions
Learn simple calm breathing techniques to help their bodies relax
Develop early self-regulation skills
Improve listening, attention and readiness to learn
Understand how nature can help them feel calm and happy
Build confidence and kindness towards themselves, others and the environment
Activities are playful, gentle and engaging, helping younger pupils build the foundations of emotional wellbeing and self-awareness.
The sessions will include a leave-behind ‘The Forest’s Secret: Supporting Children’s Wellbeing Through Nature’ book - PSHE aligned and available to purchase online at Connect With The Forest and leading booksellers - which includes a story for young children plus lots of practical ideas, activities and research references to support and encourage spending more time outdoors connecting with nature.
KS2 (Ages 7–11)
At this stage pupils are developing greater independence and social awareness. Sessions focus on helping them build practical tools for managing emotions, relationships and challenges.
Sessions help pupils learn:
Practical breathing techniques for calming worry and anxiety
How breathing and relaxation can support focus and learning
Strategies for managing stress, pressure and change
Skills for listening, communication and empathy
Techniques to improve confidence and self-belief
How nature and mindful awareness can support mental wellbeing
These tools help pupils develop resilience, emotional literacy and healthy coping strategies, which are key outcomes of PSHE education.
The sessions will include a leave-behind ‘The Forest’s Secret: Supporting Children’s Wellbeing Through Nature’ book - PSHE aligned and available to purchase online at Connect With The Forest and leading booksellers - which includes a story for young children plus lots of practical ideas, activities and research references to support and encourage spending more time outdoors connecting with nature.
Secondary School (KS3–KS5)
Older pupils face increasing pressures from exams, performance expectations and social challenges. Sessions provide practical techniques that students can use to support both wellbeing and performance.
Sessions help students learn:
The science of healthy breathing and why nasal breathing supports calm focus
Breathing techniques for managing anxiety and exam stress
Strategies to improve sleep, recovery and mental clarity
Techniques for confidence in public speaking, performing arts and sport
Tools for maintaining emotional balance during challenging periods
Skills for navigating change, pressure and transitions
These sessions empower students with practical wellbeing tools that support mental health, confidence and performance both at school and beyond.
Breathing Training for Schools
Learning how to breathe well is a powerful but often overlooked life skill. Breathing education can support:
Managing exam stress and anxiety
Improving focus and concentration in the classroom
Supporting healthy sleep patterns
Enhancing sporting and performing arts performance
Helping pupils calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed
Both staff and pupils benefit from understanding how nasal and diaphragmatic breathing helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
Wellbeing Workshops and Retreat Days
Schools can also book themed wellbeing sessions such as:
Dealing with Anxiety
Healthy Sleep
Breathing for Calm and Focus
Nature and Wellbeing
These can be delivered as:
PSHE enrichment sessions
Wellbeing days and team building
Staff development workshops
Multi-session wellbeing programmes
Relaxation sessions can also be offered as a series over several weeks, allowing pupils and staff to gradually build confidence with the techniques.
I also work in partnership with other specialists to develop bespoke workshops and programmes. Specialists include Equine Therapists, Art Teachers, Yoga Teachers, Nutritionists – see Workshops and Retreats.
For Pupils
Improved ability to manage stress, worry and exam pressure
Greater emotional awareness and self-regulation
Increased confidence in speaking, performing and participating
Improved focus, concentration and readiness to learn
Practical strategies to support calmness during challenging moments
A deeper understanding of how healthy breathing supports both body and mind
These skills contribute to stronger resilience, wellbeing and personal development, which are central to effective PSHE education.
Outcomes Schools Can Expect
Schools that introduce wellbeing and breathing sessions often notice meaningful benefits for both pupils and staff. These in turn have a positive impact on Exam results, Ofsted ratings, Wellbeing KPIs (e.g. absences), Funding, Admissions and Retention.
Participants gain practical tools they can continue to use long after the session has finished, supporting both wellbeing and learning outcomes.
For Staff
Practical techniques for managing stress and maintaining energy
Breathing tools that support focus, calm and resilience during busy school days
Increased awareness of how wellbeing practices can support pupils in the classroom
A shared language around wellbeing and emotional regulation
Supporting staff wellbeing helps create a calmer and more supportive learning environment for pupils.
For the Whole School Community
A stronger culture of wellbeing and emotional support
Increased awareness of the importance of mental health and self-care
Practical tools that can be used by pupils, staff and parents alike
A shared approach to supporting calm, confidence and resilience
When schools invest in wellbeing education, they are helping children and young people develop skills that support them not just at school, but throughout their lives.
Why Schools Choose Nigel Grimes Wellbeing
Schools today face increasing pressures to support the mental health, emotional resilience and personal development of pupils while also caring for the wellbeing of staff and parents.
My work supports schools in meeting these challenges by providing practical, evidence-informed wellbeing tools that pupils, staff and families can use in everyday life.
What makes these sessions different is their simplicity, accessibility and lasting impact. The techniques shared are easy to learn, require no special equipment, and can be practised anywhere — in the classroom, at home, before exams, before sport or whenever someone needs to feel calmer and more focused.
Schools value this approach because it:
Supports the aims of PSHE and Personal Development
Helps pupils develop resilience, emotional awareness and self-regulation
Improves focus, calmness and readiness to learn
Provides practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety
Supports both wellbeing and performance
Creates experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all pupils
Sessions are always delivered in a supportive and non-judgemental environment, ensuring that every pupil feels comfortable to participate at their own pace.
Alongside work with pupils, I also support teachers, leadership teams and parents, helping to create a culture of wellbeing that benefits the entire school community.
Each school is unique, which is why I work collaboratively with staff to design bespoke sessions and programmes that best meet the needs of your pupils and your wider community.
Whether you are looking for a PSHE enrichment session, a wellbeing day, staff training, or a longer-term wellbeing programme, I would be delighted to explore how we can work together.
"We have been lucky enough to have had Nigel in school delivering workshops to all members of our community.
Nigel led forest bathing workshops for parents which were a huge success, with many commenting on how informative and relaxing they found the experience and the practical tips they could carry into everyday life.
He also delivered an 'Importance of Breathing' workshop for staff as part of our Sharing Best Practice programme, sharing techniques that could support both their own wellbeing and that of their students.
Nigel also spoke with Year 10 and 11 pupils about breathing for performance — whether this was exams, public speaking, sport or performing arts. Pupils were able to learn and practise breathing techniques to use when they feel overwhelmed.
Nigel is extremely knowledgeable about his wellbeing specialist subjects and his enthusiasm is evident. He delivers sessions in a very supportive way and it has been a pleasure to work with him in tailoring the focus of each session to the needs of our community."
— Mariette Douglas
Wellbeing Manager & School Counsellor
Duke of Kent School
