Children

Charlotte, age 14, ‘I like flying on a magic carpet up in the mountains.’

Jamie, age 8, ASD boy, called me by my name across the playground.  He had never spoken directly to me before in all his four years at our school. He started enjoying playing with other children instead of running away.

Charlotte, age 10, discovered her talent on the drums in AQP and has gone on to have after-school tuition.  She is so good she helps other children with the basics.

Ramsha  aged 7, suggested I needed a relaxation in AQP as I looked a bit stressed.

Jamie aged 5, “I felt as if I had a sunshine inside me”.

May, age 9, asked if she could bring her imaginary friend in next time.’

Michael. age 7, ‘I told my dad, he could not wind me up because I have got my magic button.’

Asha, age 11, I can sleep better now when I do me breathing.

Jack and Karen, age 8 and 9 brother and sister said: ‘Please can you adopt us’

Zoe, age 14, "I keep my affirmation card in my pencil case and when I feel scared I get it out and it gives me the courage to speak my truth."   

Amy, age 15, ‘I love quiet place it has helped me be calm and know myself better."

Richard, age 16, ‘Quiet place has helped me not be so bad in class and I don’t feel so bad any more.’

Owen, age 14 “If I could have all my lessons in here, I’d be fine.”

James, age 15,“Quiet place is the best thing about coming to school.”

Steven, age 14, “It’s like going to see Mary Poppins in a magic place.”

Abdi, age 7, “I did what you said and sniffed my smelly tissue when someone was winding me up and it worked.”

Jason, age 9, dreams of being an astronaut and he would have his space station on his Quiet Place island

Mary, age 6, ‘It makes me think of my granddad in heaven

Jamie, age 13, ‘Relaxation techniques have helped me a lot I don’t get shouted at as much as I used to!’

 

Parents

Bernie, aged 4’s Mum, (child protection register for neglect) "Do you know what happened in the holidays, a few times?"  She had caught Bernie leading his little 2 year old brother by the hand into another room telling him he was taking him to A Quiet Place. He was sitting on the floor surrounded by teddies, books and a lamp and torch reading a story.  Mum said, "It was so cute".  "It really surprised me.”  She is very hard to reach and engage

Janey, age 6’s Mum She has grown in confidence, this time last year she would never have stood up and spoken in the school play.”

Assad, age 9’s dad is on medication for depression and anxiety that It’s even better than being on holiday.  The whole experience and how relaxed it made me feel gets 20 out of 10!” 

Katie, age 10’s mum and dad cried at the post-interview about her improvements in self confidence and asked if I could work with their son, Jack.

Demi, age 8’s dad said that one massage has done him more good and made him feel better than any of the tablets the doctor has ever given him

Rebecca, age 15’ grandmother ‘I had an image of her as a having a light that flickered inside her and that the light was very low. Since she has been on the programme I can see the light becoming brighter and brighter’

 

Family Centre-Parents

Client used magic button, without realising, when involved in jury service, to "calm her nerves". She said she noticed her focus on breath and when she looked down she had thumb and finger together!

Client used breathing techniques, when travelling to London hospital with daughter in wheelchair.

Client used breathing when child having temper tantrum, prevented losing temper with child.

Client ‘The programme has helped to keep me afloat during a particularly bad storm.’

Client "I now dress how I like to and people are noticing, especially my ex husband who said I looked nice."

 

Staff:

Comments from Staff in relation to staff well being

 

“I would have been off sick if you hadn’t managed to fit me in today.”

“My back problem is cured; the remedial massage has made a major contribution to ones wellbeing.”

“My headaches are so much better, life feels easier.”

“The Indian head massage is just wonderful I always sleep so much better that night.”

 

Head teacher

"Quiet Place provides an area in which to reflect and consider. This oasis of space and time allows children and parents to re-evaluate behaviour and responses. "a very popular programme which is popular with parents, staff, and pupils. delivered in a sensitive and professional manner"

 

Facilitator:

A visiting head teacher asked about my job role before we had a Quiet Place. I  explained  that before I used to spend a lot of time ‘fighting fires’  but now I am much more pro active. He then asked, ‘who in the school does this now then?’ After having a think about this it suddenly struck me that, actually, no one has to anymore. Pupils are much calmer and have the tools to recognise and deal better with their feelings.

A student, age 11, who would previously not look in a mirror came in one morning and very proudly stated that he has looked in the mirror for half an hour that morning!

A student, age 10,  allowed a group of visitors to access his session and work through some Tai – Chi exercises with them!

 

Ofsted

Well-being category Grade 1 (outstanding) and it was noted that “A Quiet Place offers a refuge and individual care and attention to support pupil’s social, emotional and spiritual development.”  “Pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Harmonious relationships are evident in classrooms and the playground.” (Ofsted 2009)