Enrichment Days: ParT Two

Enrichment Days: Common Questions

Enrichment Days: Common Questions
I thought it might be helpful to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked about enrichment days.

Whether you are:

• a school or nursery looking to book a well-being enrichment day, or
• a well-being practitioner (such as a children’s yoga teacher or mindfulness teacher) who would like to deliver enrichment days yourself,

this blog will talk you through the practicalities and help you understand how enrichment days can work smoothly, safely and successfully.

The Space
I most often deliver enrichment days in school halls. Halls are brilliant because they allow me to set up yoga mats so each child has enough room to move, stretch and explore their bodies safely. This helps sessions stay fully interactive and movement-rich, which is a core part of Well-Being Adventurers.
That said, enrichment days don’t have to be limited to halls.
I know that in many education settings, space is at a premium, especially during enrichment weeks, activity days or curriculum drop-down days where lots is happening at once.
Over the years, I’ve delivered sessions in:

• classrooms
• sensory rooms
• school libraries
• outdoor spaces
• and even inside a teepee

With clear communication and enough planning time, I can adapt sessions to suit the space available and I’m always happy to do that.

What makes a good space?
Although a hall is ideal, the space doesn’t need to be perfect. It does, however, need to be:

• Safe
• Clean
• Quiet (or as quiet as a school can reasonably be!)

Let’s look at each of these in a bit more detail.

Safety and Space to Move
Movement is a key part of Well-Being Adventurers sessions. While I can adapt the types of movement we do, children will still be moving their bodies.
It’s important that:

• there is enough room for the number of children in the space
• children can move without bumping into furniture or each other

If the space is smaller, it may be safer to:

• reduce group sizes, or
• run more sessions across the day

Furniture in the Space
Sometimes sessions take place in rooms that contain other furniture, such as gym equipment, tables, or flip charts.
Ideally, furniture would be moved. If that isn’t possible, it’s really important that:

• clear physical boundaries are set
• expectations are shared with children
• the adult leading the workshop maintains strong, calm structure

These things help everyone stay safe and focused.

One Space or Moving Around?
The ideal scenario is that enrichment sessions all take place in one space, with classes visiting on a rota. This maximises teaching time and reduces transitions.
However, I also understand that this isn’t always possible.
I do offer enrichment days where I move between classrooms if that’s what a school needs. The main thing to be aware of here is that:

• moving between spaces takes time
• this can slightly reduce session length

We can always talk this through in advance to decide what works best for your setting.

Cleanliness
Many of the spaces used for enrichment days have multiple purposes. For example, a hall might also be used as a dining area.
Because I provide yoga mats for my workshops, it’s important that:

• floors are thoroughly cleaned before sessions

If I’m teaching in a space that isn’t clean, such as outdoors, this naturally changes how and what I teach. For example, I may choose not to use mats at all.
This is why communication ahead of time is so important. It allows me to plan sessions that are appropriate, comfortable and safe for children.

Quiet (or Quiet Enough)
Schools are wonderfully busy places, and complete silence is rare (and also slightly worrying!)
That said, there are some situations that aren’t suitable for the sessions I deliver.
For example:

• I don’t share spaces with other activity providers
• very noisy, multi-activity sports halls aren’t appropriate

A key part of a Well-Being Adventurers lesson is supporting children to connect with themselves. That becomes almost impossible if there is a lot of competing noise or distraction.

Organising the Day
On an enrichment day, I usually teach multiple classes across the day.
Schools can choose to:

• organise the timetable themselves, or
• ask me to plan the timetable for them

Many schools prefer to manage their own timetable because they know their setting best. Others appreciate having that taken off their plate.
If I’m creating the timetable, I always consider:

Timings

• start of the school day
• register times
• breaktimes and lunchtimes
• end of the school day

I’m also mindful that these timings can differ between year groups.

Other uses of the space
Most school spaces are used for more than one purpose. For example:

• breakfast or after-school clubs
• dining
• break-time activities

Knowing this in advance helps ensure there is:

• enough buffer time
• no clashes
• a calmer flow to the day

Other factors that affect the timetable
Sometimes other events impact certain year groups, such as trips or special activities.
I also take into account that:

• younger children often take longer to transition
• registration can take more time in EYFS and KS1

For this reason, I usually avoid starting the day with the youngest children where possible.
Schools are busy places with lots of moving parts, and thoughtful planning makes a big difference.

Communication is Key
The most successful enrichment days are built on clear, open communication.
When both the education setting and the well-being practitioner are clear about:

• expectations
• space
• timings
• and practical requirements

…the day runs more smoothly and children get the most from the experience.
When I deliver enrichment days, I always provide clear information for staff in advance so everyone knows what to expect and how to support the sessions.

Interested in an Enrichment Day? Are you a school or nursery looking to book a Well-Being Adventurers enrichment day?
👉 Get in touch here

Are you a children’s well-being practitioner who would love to offer enrichment days but would like some guidance and support?
👉At the moment, I'm running a special offer for a power hour to help you plan or organise your enrichment offerings. These meetings usually cost £250 but you can book one for just £97. Book online here