Nursery World - Case study: Skerne Park Primary School, Darlington

Headteacher Di Teasdale welcomed the opportunity to introduce peer massage to the nursery school children, helped by Sure Start funding. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone in the nursery team was crucial to the scheme's success. Before the first session the school obtained written permission from parents for their child to take part, with an explanation that this was child-to-child massage with no adult-child contact. The class teacher, Paula Barion, also prepared the children by explaining what massage means - 'a stroking movement that makes you feel nice and calm and relaxed' - and that they would be working together in pairs.

Before the first session the school obtained written permission from parents for their child to take part, with an explanation that this was child-to-child massage with no adult-child contact. The class teacher, Paula Barion, also prepared the children by explaining what massage means - 'a stroking movement that makes you feel nice and calm and relaxed' - and that they would be working together in pairs.

Sometimes, with a large group of young children, involving any extra equipment such as chairs can be more of a distraction than a help. So we agreed that, as the children were used to sitting together on the carpet for group activities, we would continue this for the massage sessions. The familiar environment helped the children to settle quickly and quietly, including a child who is on the autistic spectrum.

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