Grant Stanley Consulting

Developing and implementing mindfulness education programs in Primary school classrooms has the potential to positively influence the development of children's cognitive, behavioural, and emotional regulatory abilities. There is a study by Exeter University that is the first to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a Mindfulness program; a mindfulness education program for late Primary school students. The program includes seven key ingredients: relaxation and breathing, positive affirmation, remedial stretch, real-world applications, aromatherapy, yoga and daily practice; all of which worked in partnership to provide students with unique skills to use in their everyday lives. Of most importance was examining the potential impact of teaching mindfulness in a classroom on students' cognitive (e.g., executive functioning), behavioural (e.g., aggression), and emotional (e.g., anxiety) regulatory outcomes. As a function of participating in the program, students in t...

The former Department for Education Permanent Secretary argues that "monolithic" Whitehall departments are too remote from schools to be cost-effective or efficient in managing the system. He also says that given the scale of public finance cuts and the public's anti-politics mood, the state must rethink its relationship with the schools sector - by devolving power and trusting to frontline teachers, Higher Education and industry. I totally agree with this statement.   In a business world, as leaders, we isolate ourselves from the coal face by analysing figures and attending meetings, delegating responsibility for management of productivity to our managers (i.e. Head teachers and Principles).   Politics is no different; they disassociate themselves from the coal face, spend their time crunching numbers and making decisions without thinking about the serious impact that their decisions have on the everyday schools, colleges or academies. There are a number of ...