Minibeasts

quotes – online course

Read the Reviews

“The Story Massage Programme is the best intervention I’ve done in my 25yrs in the teaching profession. I work with children with complex medical needs and sharing massage stories. It just opens up their world. We absolutely love our sessions and we often change things we do in class to link to the Story Massage movements.” Tracey Smith, PMLD Class Teacher

“I really enjoyed the flexibility of the course. From a management point of view this was fantastic as it did not mean releasing staff from school to attend the training which can be a huge barrier. This has enabled us to put forward a large number of staff to complete the online training.The main challenge of online courses is always lack of opportunities to share with others but I feel the Facebook Community Group and You Tube videos are an excellent way of supporting those who are completing the training.”
Debbie McCulloch, Principal Teacher,
Beatlie School Campus

“My sister, Lauren, is 30 years old and is disabled. She is blind, deaf, autistic and has global development delay. She lives in her own house with 24/7 support from a local company who are fantastic. Lauren really looks forward to her Story Massage time. Your resources are so helpful and give us all such pleasure. The Story Massage Programme really is fully inclusive. It is a wonderful activity for everyone.” Natalie Smith

“What can I say apart from WOW! I have been working with children for many years and understood the benefits of positive touch, so I completed the online course just for fun. However, learning about the Story Massage Programme has totally changed how I work. The online course is easy to follow, fantastic clear videos and gaining certification is a clear process. Highly recommended.”
Cheryl Kennedy, Autism and Wellbeing Consultant for AIW Consultancy

“The time is 5.30 am (the children are still asleep, and I have “me” time) and I rush to the computer to continue the online course. It is not difficult for me to get up, because all the knowledge of the course inspires me every day…I would recommend it to everyone to use at work and at home.”
Katja Rinc, Infant Massage Instructor, Slovenia

“In all honesty, I have thoroughly enjoyed the WHOLE course from start to finish. It has not felt like a ‘course’ with any sense of pressure; I have had lots of fun and exercised my creativity in the process. And there is so much support during and after the online course. I am really enjoying finding out how others are using the programme in so many different settings. I love the creative ideas such as adding sensory props, adapting stories, and running online sessions.”
Jennifer Price, SEMH Teacher

“The Story Massage Programme is a wonderful way to connect with young adults with complex needs. Many young adults living in residential care homes have limited opportunities to engage with stories, so I incorporate Story Massage in my sensory drama and sensory art sessions. It provides the benefits of positive touch as well as an interactive and sensory way to share stories and songs. Sessions can be tailored to an individual’s needs and can vary in length and content. They can choose their favourite strokes and receive the massage on whatever part of the body is best for them.” Caroline Hill, founder of Making Sense Creative Services Ltd

“Sharing positive touch has made a real difference in my upper school nurture groups, especially with some of the older boys who struggle with expressing emotions and self-esteem. It puts them in a calm frame of mind to go back and join their class.” Stephanie Lawson, Nurture Lead

“The online course is well laid out and well explained. From the beginning I practiced the Story Massage strokes on my children. I was amazed at how often they began to ask for a ‘meditation massage’ at bedtime. All three of my children have really taken to Story Massage and they often take turns to either read one from the book or to make up their own story. This has increased their bond and has given them something lovely they can do together.” Carmel Donaldson, Connected Kids Tutor, Homeopath and Mum

“I felt engaged…. more so that I thought would be possible via an online course where positive, nurturing touch is at the centre! I am impressed by the authors’ attention to detail and recognition of different learning styles. It is a well-balanced and varied course with excellent pacing of sessions to build up confidence. Most of all, I appreciated the gentle guidance with tips, suggestions and lots of inspiring and useful links to resources.”
Helene Goulet, Elementary School Teacher, Canada

“I am a Speech and Language therapist in a special school and have been using the Story Massage Programme with one of the children on my case load to reduce his anxiety and improve his engagement with me. He is making so much progress – he calms so much quicker and gives me lots of eye contact. I thoroughly recommend the training.” Nicky Mearing, Speech and Language Therapist

“The online training is the best thing that I have done for a long time. I have been able to incorporate the programme into so many different areas of my work. It has become a valuable tool to support bonding between child and parent or caregiver.” Carol Brookes, Practitioner for Deafblind/MSI (Multi-Sensory Impairment) children.

“Mothers tell me that massage stories soon become part of their routine and are the most valuable time that they spend with their children. Sharing positive touch with a relevant story can promote effective communication and encourage children to express their feelings in a safe environment.”
Kefaya Al Mubarak, Psychologist and Children’s Massage Instructor, Bahrain.

“The Story Massage Programme offers an activity that adults with varying levels of need can enjoy as a group. It doesn’t require any pressure to ‘perform’ or ‘do the right thing’ so everyone can relax and have fun together.” Jaime Ballett, Manager, Out and About Dorset Ltd.

“I wholeheartedly recommend using the Story Massage Programme in schools (and in your own home!) as the children LOVE it. There are many benefits from introducing this into your setting and you can spark creativity and imagination by inviting children to design their own massage stories too.”
Sarah Combe, Relax Kids Coach and Senior Mental Health and SEND Lead in primary schools.

“When a child feels loves and taken care of, then they feel safe. When a child is feeling nervous or scared, simple words combined with a massage story can help calm their nerves and help them feel safe.” Fiona Pattison, Managing Director of Rainbows Sensory Space Ltd.

“During the last two years we have been running the Story Massage Programme, children have learnt to sign ‘Thank you” in Makaton as the end of the session. We are all so proud of them.” Naya Alexiou, Lead of Complex Needs at a Special School.