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by Graham Tutthill

Children at a Dover primary school start their day in a calm and
relaxing way.

Massage is the first session on the timetable at one of the
classes at St Martin's Primary
School.

Higher level teaching assistant Carol Johnson has been trained
under the Massage In Schools Programme and has now introduced the
techniques to children in one of the classes.

Prompt cards are used to remind the children of each stroke, but
Mrs Johnson said many of them have learnt the whole programme of 15
different strokes.

"Remembering these strokes is an opportunity to practice memory
skills and concentration," said Mrs Johnson, who hopes to expand
the sessions to the rest of the school.

"The children take it very seriously - but they are also having
fun and experiencing a new skill."

Benefits reported in other schools using the programme are
building mental skills, enabling children to distinguish between
appropriate and inappropriate touch. In some schools it has
resulted in a significant reduction in bullying.

• Full story and photographs in this week's Dover Mercury.