We are all aware of some the challenges that face many of the children in our schools and despite our best efforts, we as educators still know that we fall short when it comes to preparing them for the unknown. After attending one of the taster days on the SUMO programme I could see that the self development techniques covered in the programme would have huge potential benefits for the staff, children and parents at my school. The staff are using it in their everyday teaching to help children to deal with everyday issues, events and learning habits. I can already see how the children have started to embrace the concepts of SUMO.
The school financial commitment is very reasonable but the benefits in terms of emotional, social and physical development and skills are priceless. I would urge you to see what it can do for the well being of your school and its community.
Lorna Reynolds,
Head teacher Latymer All Saints Primary School, London
SUMO has had a dramatic effect not only in our school but throughout many schools in our Learning Partnership in Dudley. It has permeated learning throughout the curriculum but it has also had a marked effect on our communities, with parents using the principles with their children at home. All children in school share the common language of SUMO and indeed it has replaced our other PSHE programmes very effectively. SUMO 4 schools allows children to engage and understand the philosophy in a creative and exciting way. It cannot fail to promote positive behaviour because it is presented in the perfect currency for primary children. Children now proactively use the principles and language of SUMO to sort out their own problems without recourse to teachers. It is a powerful tool when adopted throughout the school.
Adrian Slack,
Headteacher The Straits Primary School, Dudley
With the world being an ever changing place children, now more than ever, need greater resilience, self-belief and confidence in their own abilities if they are to reach their potential. SUMO provides all that and more. It is the foundation to well-being and self-learning, providing a platform for children and staff to reflect and grow, learn and interact, enjoy and achieve.
SUMO is a must for all organisations with the six principles providing the bedrock for personal and professional inspiration and application in every day life.
Amanda Gould,
Integrated Services Coordinator, CAF Champion / Mentor / Lead Professional,
Northwich Education Improvement Partnership (EIP)
Response from a headteacher who visited a SUMO4Schools showcase school
Having the opportunity to see SUMO in action within the school setting was inspirational. The quality of the exemplar lesson was outstanding and demonstrated the impact that SUMO can have upon children’s learning journey’s. Seeing first hand the collaborative work that can be achieved between schools was tremendous and has spurred me on to experiment with new ways of working between my local cluster of schools. It was brilliant to have the time and space to think outside the box and consider the best ways to move things forward in my own setting here in Shropshire. Thank you once again for organising such an amazing and worthwhile day, I would thoroughly recommend this type of CPD to anyone who is looking to introduce or embed further their work with SUMO4Schools.
Alan Derry,
Headteacher of Sundorne Infant School, Shropshire
SUMO4Schools Trafford Training Day
The SUMO course was amazing and I left each day feeling better and more positive about life. I have told so many people about SUMO, helping them to use the ‘7 Questions’ to solve problems and reminding them about ‘Faulty Thinking’. It has changed my view of situations and it will continue to help improve life for myself and others around me. I can’t believe I have reached my age without knowing this information! I feel as though my eyes have been opened and believe that children will greatly gain from this knowledge, possibly changing their lives forever. I have already began using it everyday with the children in my class and find they understand it more easily than I expected and enjoy using it to help them in conflicts and decision making. Thank you for all the effort and time you have put into creating it. I am now enjoying reading the SUMO book by Paul McGee.
Melissa Creamer,
Year 1 Teacher, Healthy Schools Leader and PSHE Leader at All Saints Catholic Primary School, Trafford
Whole School Drama Enrichment Day
Dave Hill’s use of drama to get across the principle ‘Remember the Beachball’ was outstanding. He engaged and motivated the pupils in way that left them wanting more! It has enabled the teachers to follow up the day and delve more into the Beachball principle. The principles have enabled our pupils to deal with problems in a much more effective manner. Pupils stop and reflect before they make hasty decisions. The pupils and staff have enjoyed the workshops, we would recommend it to all schools. SUMO4Schools has had a massive impact on the wellbeing of our pupils and staff at St Luke’s C of E.
Steve Hardacre,
Deputy Headteacher, St Lukes C of E Primary School, Wigan
SUMO4Schools has been integral in moving my school from satisfactory to outstanding!
Dr A. Hodgkinson,
Executive Headteacher, Federation of Pott Shrigley CE Aided School and Bollington St John’s CE Aided School, Cheshire East
Chester Diocesan Conference
I was at the SUMO4Schools workshop. I had never heard of it before yesterday but thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and found it very interesting. There are lots of aspects that I am going to apply to my own life eg. the beach ball and hippo time, and I can see how these relate to the children. These things are so obvious once someone has pointed it out to you aren't they! Thank you!
Jo Airey,
Acting Deputy, Wolverham Primary and Nursery School, Ellesmere Port
Chester Diocesan Conference
I think our children are so fortunate to have access to such fantastic material. Talking openly, and rightly so, about all this with children in KS1. I just think it is powerful stuff. We are equipping these children with self knowledge, self belief, self worth, how we deal with others and a whole range of other life skills. Fantastic.
Miriam,
Frodsham CE Primary, Frodsham, Cheshire
Healthy Schools
Without a doubt, the “i” generation is growing up in a very different world. The challenges of a fast changing and uncertain future create unique pressures for our children and young people. Their need to be equipped to cope with all that life may bring is crucial. SUMO4Schools is an interactive resource that teaches children the coping strategies they need, in a fun and practical way. If Emotional Health and Well Being is a priority you have chosen to develop further on your Healthy Schools Enhancement Journey, then this resource will stimulate reflection and creativity. Above all, children enjoy SUMO and learn to put the principles into action.
Ruth Boulton, Healthy Schools Development Consultant for Cheshire West and Chester
SUMO Enrichment Days
The enrichment days are a must for any school using the SUMO principles. Dave Hill used drama to bring alive Remember the Beachball during our Anti-bullying week and engaged the children in a way only a specialist can. We saw some of our quieter children come alive and show real acting potential! It the weeks since, the staff have found using the Beachball principle has made problems much easier to unpick and has enabled the children to deal with issues before they escalate into bullying. We have already booked more enrichment days to look at other SUMO principles.
Gillian Talbot,
Headteacher, Ince St Mary's C.E. Primary School, Derby Street, Spring View, Wigan
I've absolutely no doubt that your approach can help build resilience and enhance the quality of people's lives, in both medical and educational settings. The clarity and simplicity of your explanations are accessible to everyone and I know many patients who would benefit from adopting this approach.
You use SUMO as a way of having a legitimate and life enhancing conversation with ourselves, forcing us to reflect and aim for what really matters.
Dr Phil Hammond,
GP, Journalist and Broadcaster
Our children face a challenging and uncertain future. What we know is, that whatever we do, our children's personal and emotional development is more vital than ever, if they are to not just survive but to thrive as they move through and beyond education; crucial 'soft skills' have become the hard currency of the 21st century and SUMO4Schools Primary is one of the most practical, thought provoking and powerful resources I have seen to help teachers help their children to meet that challenge.
Richard Gerver,
Former Primary Headteacher and Director of ic-ed Education Consultancy
SUMO4Schools Primary is a simple and effective way to develop children’s emotional resilience. It promotes personal responsibility and empathy for others. It is an excellent resource which can be used as part of the PSHCE curriculum and supports other initiatives such as SEAL. It is a very practical way to help schools fulfil their statutory responsibility to promote children’s wellbeing.
Janet Smith
Senior Advisor for PSHCE for Cheshire
I am delighted to have seen SUMO4Schools Primary in action in school. The opportunity for children and young people to develop their emotional intelligence in this way is a life enriching skill which is well taught through the SUMO4Schools Primary programme. Children are able to become reflective individuals, able to evaluate what happens to their lives and identify and develop meaningful relationships. The principles within SUMO are readily understandable even by young children and easily adopted; encouraging open and genuinely assertive behaviour traits based on honesty and empathy.
Chair of Governors and parent
The SUMO Lessons have really helped my way of learning and thinking, especially the seven questions. I use them whenever I come across a problem. We have put one on our fridge.
Year 6 pupil talking about the SUMO4Schools Primary programme
The Inner Coach is like the man on Mario Kart who holds up the sign saying 'you're going the wrong way!
Year 5 pupil talking about 'Change Your T-Shirt'
A powerful collection of ideas delivered professionally through an engaging and enjoyable workshop.
Primary School Teacher describing a SUMO4Schools Primary enrichment workshop
The children love SUMO lessons and are always asking 'When's the next one?'
Year 4, 5 and 6 Primary School Teacher describing the children’s engagement with the programme
SUMO has helped by teaching me to control my temper and calm down!
Year 5 pupil
The art project was fantastic and our gifted and talented artists from Year 1 to Year 6 all had a wonderful time.
Senior Primary School Teacher
SUMO has helped me a lot in my life and I am sure it will help me a lot as I get older. SUMO has probably been the most important lesson to me at school because when I get older I might not need art or maths but at some point in my life I will need SUMO.
Year 5 pupil
SUMO4Schools Primary has had a profound impact on the wellbeing of the children and staff in my school.
Primary School Headteacher of Lead School
SUMO lessons are fun. I liked the lessons on the Victim T-Shirt, they helped me to get more confidence at home.
Year 6 pupil
I have had my wallow, it’s behind me now and I’m moving on!
Year 3 Pupil
A great way to get children to talk about their feelings in a fun and sensitive way.
Sculptor involved in a SUMO4Schools Primary art enrichment day
SUMO4Schools Primary is an innovative and creative programme that equips children with a range of skills that develop a positive attitude to life.
RC Director of Schools’ Service for East Anglia
We recently booked SUMO4Schools Primary for a twilight session at our school and were not let down by the quality of the delivery. The session was just what we wanted - a mixture of theory and practical activities that both enthused the staff and was a perfect start to our SUMO4Schools Primary journey. The very next day the SUMO twilight was the talk of the staffroom. Thank you SUMO!!
Darren Locke,
Headteacher Vine Tree Primary School, Crewe, Cheshire
I can clearly see how the principles can have a positive and profound impact on thelives of young people.
Sir Clive Woodwood,
Elite Performance Director, British Olympic Association and coach of the 2003 England Rugby World Cup winning team
At a play area a boy came and sat with me and my daughter whilst eating lunch . I didn't know the boy but he began to chat to me and when he found out I was a teacher he told me the best thing he'd done at primary school and he'd been to two because of difficulties was SUMO. I just had to have a look.
Melanie Lawson,
Headteacher Ladywood Primary, Kirk Hallam