The staff team at EsSENtial Early Years in the Wirral have fully embraced the versatility of the Story Massage Programme. The specialist nursery shares the programme with such enthusiasm and creativity that we are recognising their commitment with our Centre of Excellence Award.
The nursery provides care for children aged 0-5 with a wide range of needs. Four members of staff completed our online training in the Story Massage Programme. They use it in a variety of settings and situations to suit the sensory needs of the individual children or classes.
Benefits for the Specialist Nursery
Nursery staff identify key benefits of sharing Story Massage for early years as:
- interaction and engagement in storytelling
- supporting regulation and relaxation
- increased concentration
- promoting positive relationships with key workers and peers
- supporting the parental bond
- preparation for transition
- understanding positive and appropriate touch
Interactive and Sensory Stories
The Story Massage Programme is now integral to planning sessions within the specialist nursery. As part of ‘Directions for Learning’ they choose a Story Massage of the Week. This is used with children across all rooms. Trained staff also write their own massage stories to support transitions and children’s interests such as starting at nursery or going to the park. For most children, Story Massage is a popular daily activity.
“We have created a folder full of massage stories to enhance our Directions for Learning. Children are encouraged to choose their own massage stories from the folder. We also add Story Massage stickers to different books to increase their choice and help encourage a love of reading.” Lynnette Bonner, Managing Director.
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Massage stories are introduced in a very gradual way with shorter massage stories and familiar rhymes. “This helps children to build up a tolerance of touch and understand the effects it has on their regulation and sensory processing,” says Lynnette, “As well as daily sessions, Story Massage can help ‘in the moment’ to support children with their emotional regulation.”
One young autistic boy had become overwhelmed and over stimulated during nursery sessions. Staff used several interventions and approaches without success. However, Story Massage on a 1-1 basis helped him to regulate and be ready to learn. “As he listened to the words and felt the touch, he began to regulate his breathing and relax his body,” says Lynnette.
Parental Partnership
The nursery takes pride in partnerships with parents and the additional support they offer in the home. “We deliver parent workshops to introduce the importance and benefits of the Story Massage Programme,” says Lynnette Bonner, “We show them how they can use the massage stories with their children. It really helps support the parental bond.”
“The trained staff members also held a meeting to demonstrate the programme to other staff members. Everyone had a go at giving each other a Story Massage. It was a very popular staff meeting!” Lynnette Bonner.
Gaining consent
Children give their consent to Story Massage through a total communication approach. For some children this may be verbal. For others it is through use of Makaton, communication boards, eye gaze or gesture.
“The response from our PMLD children is amazing. They use eye contact and facial expression to give consent and show their enjoyment of Story Massage sessions.” Lynnette Bonner, Managing Director.
Could you be a Centre of Excellence?
To find out more about how to enter our Centre of Excellence Awards please take a look at this page: Awards.