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The Smiling Mind Schools Program is an evidence-based approach to support student mental health and wellbeing.
The Australian Government is supporting the rollout of the program into 600 regional and rural Australian primary schools.
Through a whole-school approach to nurture positive student and educator mental health and wellbeing, our mindfulness based social and emotional learning program provides training, resources and ongoing support. Mapped to the Australian Curriculum and included in the Be You Programs Directory, the Smiling Mind Schools Program helps schools implement and sustain meaningful and impactful change for students, teachers and communities.
WHAT THE PROGRAM INVOLVES
First term: In-depth training for the school’s mindfulness champions.
Two teachers from the school complete intensive Mindful Champion training, exploring mindfulness based social and emotional learning in education, and how to lead implementation in their learning environments.
Second term: Program is introduced to all school staff.
The school’s Mindful Champions lead the introduction of the rest of the school’s staff to the program. All educators get access to interactive and practical online training, resources and support.
Third term onwards: Staff implement the program across the school.
Educators across the school commence using the program in their classrooms and with students. Schools have access to online resources, tools and support to assist with implementation and engagement.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS RECEIVE
Participating schools receive, free of charge:
In-depth online training
Training for staff on mindfulness and the Smiling Mind mindfulness based social and emotional learning program, and practical guidance on how to implement its benefits in diverse school environments.
Access to our Learning Hub
Our Learning Hub includes a range of self-paced digital courses and opportunities to connect and share experiences with educators across the country who are also participating in the program.
The Mindfulness Curriculum
A comprehensive framework to support primary school educators in bringing mindfulness into their classrooms.
Wellbeing surveys and measurement tools
Wellbeing surveys and measurement tools so schools can see for themselves the impact the program is having.
Resources
To support sustainable implementation of the program, including tools to support parent and carer engagement.
Ongoing Support
Ongoing support from Smiling Mind’s psychologists, facilitators and mindfulness experts.
Since commencing in early 2021 we've had hundreds of schools from across the country join the program.
We're no longer accepting applications for this program.
Thanks to funding from the Commonwealth Government, we've been able to support hundreds of primary schools in regional and rural areas to participate in our whole school program.
The final groups of schools commenced this program in Term 2, 2022. However, there may be future opportunities for schools to receive fully funded places in our programs in the near future.
If you'd like your school to be added to the waitlist for these opportunities, click the button below and submit your information.
Join the waitlist
WHO DOES THE PROGRAM BENEFIT?
BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS
Calmer classrooms¹
Less stress²
Engaged & focussed students³
Comprehensive SEL framework & lessons
Practical & easy to implement resources
Whole staff & individual support
References
BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
Increased mental wellbeing⁴
Greater concentration & focus³
Improved academic performance¹
Clear strategies for emotional regulation
Better relationships⁵
Improved resilience⁶
References
The Smiling Mind Schools Program has been independently reviewed and is listed in the Be You Programs Directory. It meets the minimum evidence requirements set by Be You and has been awarded a 3/4 rating for evidence and 4/4 for implementation. Learn more about how Be You and the Smiling Mind Schools Program work together.
MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM
Backed by research
In 2016, independent researchers evaluated the Smiling Mind program with a large-scale controlled trial.
12 schools, 104 teachers and 1,853 students participated in the research to assess the impact of the Smiling Mind mindfulness based social and emotional learning program program.
Grounded in evidence
Everything we do at Smiling Mind is based on scientific evidence and research outcomes, which is why we created the evidence based guidelines for mindfulness in schools.
The guidelines aim to provide schools who wish to implement mindfulness programs into their school with a clear and concise review of the evidence and existing best practice within education.
Download guidelines
