As part of BEST’s mission to grow mindfulness and its impact across the school community we are extending our offer to provide free training for the parents and carers of our students.

Parents and carers are invited to train in mindfulness and discover practices and principles to support themselves and their children with an online course led by BEST Mindfulness Coach Will George.

 

About the course

The 5 weekly live sessions introduce the basics of mindfulness, supporting participants to develop a personal practice and to discover the potential for mindfulness in everyday life:

• Improving wellbeing, cultivating calm and self-compassion

• Reducing stress and anxiety by managing your thoughts and emotions skilfully

• Being more present and effective, living your life more internationally and less reactively

• Navigating challenges at work, at home and in your relationships

Participants will be encouraged to engage with regular 'home practice' of 10–15 minutes between weekly sessions (supported by the online audio resources) – daily guided mindfulness and meditation and/or simple exercises for cultivating mindful awareness and training the mind.

This is not a training to teach mindfulness to others but will link the key course themes and practices to the classroom mindfulness curricula that children are learning in BEST schools so that, as parents and carers, you can support your child's practice at home.

What parents say about this course

Feedback from the previous participants:

"I have felt calmer, less stressed. This course has also improved my sleep and reduced my anxiety"

"I am coping with difficult family moments a lot better"

"The course has enabled me to recognise the importance of slowing down and making time for myself, my thoughts and my feelings. It has allowed me to notice the important things and focus on my breathing in order to feel connected"

"The sessions have supported me by helping me to stay calmer and more present in my role as a mum. I've noticed that I respond to challenges with more patience and understanding rather than reacting out of frustration"

"My calmness has improved the general calmness in the house. As a family, we have practised mindfulness on dog walks and car journeys, we are able to practice gratitude every day, look for positives. I now have a good selection of tools to help my children as and when needed."

Course schedule

Weekly online sessions are 75 minutes (via Teams).

The Spring term 2026 sessions will run on Thursdays (from February 26th) and there are two times to choose from:

12.15pm-1.30pm (the lunchtime course)

Or

6.30pm - 7.45pm (the evening course)

Course dates: Feb 26th, March 5th,12th,19th and 26th

(Those enroling for course sessions are expected to commit to all five dates).

How to register

If you would like to apply for a place on the course, please first watch the Course Introduction video here.

This provides a background on mindfulness and an understanding of what to expect from the online programme.

Then you may register here via GoogleForm.

Places are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior experience is necessary, and your child does not need to have learnt mindfulness at their school for you to enrol.

Places are available for adults only, offered to parents and carers of students currently attending a BEST school.

 

Waiting List

If you are unable to attend the dates above but wish to be notified early of future courses, please join the waiting list here.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please email the course facilitator Will George: wgeorge@bestacademies.org.uk