Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT) Training for Schools, Early Years and Families

Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT) is a structured relaxation routine designed to support emotional regulation, engagement and wellbeing in education, care and family environments. The routine is simple, predictable and can be introduced safely within everyday settings such as schools, early years environments and family support programmes.

What is Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT)?

Functional Reflex Therapy was developed by Lorraine Senior, a UK-qualified teacher and reflexologist who spent more than 20 years supporting children and young people with additional support needs and their families. Drawing on her experience in both education and therapeutic practice, Lorraine created FRT as a short, rhythmical routine delivered to the hands (or feet) using a sequence of structured relaxation techniques. Because the routine is consistent and predictable, it can be embedded within daily routines in schools, early years settings and home environments.

Taking part in FRT may:

• Support emotional regulation

• Encourage focus and engagement

• Promote connection and interaction

• Provide a calming sensory experience

Trainer in Scotland

Pathway2Wellbeing is an Approved FRT Rainbow Relaxation Programme Trainer for Schools, delivering professional training and workshops across Scotland.

FRT Training for Schools Supporting Pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN)

Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT) can be introduced within schools as a simple, structured relaxation routine to support emotional regulation, engagement and wellbeing for both pupils and staff. The FRT Rainbow Relaxation Programme for Schools provides staff with a practical routine that can be embedded within everyday school life.

Who should attend

This training is suitable for staff supporting children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) in both specialist and mainstream schools. FRT may be particularly helpful for pupils who benefit from structured routines and calming sensory input, including those with:

• Autism

• Anxiety

• Additional Support Needs (ASN)

• Complex learning needs

What Staff Learn

During the training staff learn:

• The relaxation techniques that form the FRT routine

• How to deliver the routine safely and consistently

• Where FRT can fit within the school day

• Practical guidance for introducing FRT with pupils

Participants practise the routine during the training to build confidence in using the techniques.

What the School receives

Schools participating in the training receive:

• Participant manual for each attendee

• Certificate of completion for each participant

• Two FRT toolkit bags for classroom use

• A copy of the FRT Reflexology Book for Schools

• Guidance on introducing FRT within the school environment

Follow-up implementation support is available to help schools embed the routine.

Training availability

FRT training for schools is delivered in person across Scotland.

If your school would like to explore introducing Functional Reflex Therapy, please get in touch.

FRT Training for Early Years Practitioners and Nursery Teams

FRT can be introduced within early years settings as a simple, structured relaxation routine for the hands to support emotional regulation, engagement and calm within the playroom environment. The routine is short, predictable and easy for practitioners to learn, making it suitable for embedding within everyday nursery and early learning routines.

The approach can support early years practitioners working with children who benefit from calm, predictable routines, including those experiencing anxiety, sensory regulation needs, or additional support needs within mainstream nursery environments.

Training is delivered in person for your whole early years staff team (typically 12 practitioners) within your setting. This allows practitioners to learn the routine together, practise the techniques during the session, and discuss how the approach can be embedded within everyday nursery routines. Training has previously been delivered to practitioners from Kirtonholme Nurseries in Glasgow and Pathhead Nursery in Fife.

What practitioners learn

During the training practitioners learn:

• The structured relaxation techniques for the FRT hands routine

• How to introduce the routine safely within the playroom

• When FRT can be used to support calm and regulation

• Practical ways to embed the routine within daily nursery practice

Participants practise the routine during the training to build confidence in using the techniques.

Who should attend

This training is suitable for:

• Early years practitioners

• Nursery managers

• Additional support staff within early years settings

• Practitioners supporting children with Additional Support Needs (ASN)

What participants receive

Participants attending the training receive:

• FRT early years participants manual

• Certificate of completion following a short 1-1 practical assessment

• Practical guidance for introducing the routine within an early years setting

Training availability

FRT Early Years training is delivered in person across Scotland.

If your nursery or early years setting would like to explore introducing Functional Reflex Therapy, please get in touch.

FRT Parent and Carers Workshops

Functional Reflex Therapy (FRT) workshops for parents and carers provide a simple, practical way to learn the relaxation techniques that can be used at home to support calm, connection and emotional regulation.

These workshops introduce the same structured

routine used in education and care environments. With the addition of parents and carers learning the FRT relaxation routine for the feet, so can confidently use the techniques within family life.

What Workshops involve

Workshops are fun, friendly and informative, typically running for five hours delivered over two sessions (on consecutive days or a week apart).

• Learn about the intention and many benefits of Functional Reflex Therapy.

• Session one: learn the relaxation techniques for the hands.

• Session two: how the relaxation techniques are applied to the feet.

• Includes demonstrations of each technique and plenty of time for practice.

What participants receive

Parents and carers attending the workshop receive:

• A FRT workbook to support learning at home

• A certificate of attendance

• Guidance on introducing the routine within family routines

An optional P2W Home Support Pack may also be available to help families practise the routine at home.

Workshop availability

Parent and carer workshops are delivered in partnership with:

• schools

• charities and community organisations

• family support programmes.

If your organisation would like to host a workshop for parents and carers, please get in touch.

Who This Training Is For

Functional Reflex Therapy training is suitable for organisations and individuals supporting children, young people or adults who benefit from structured calming routines and sensory approaches. Training and workshops may be appropriate for:

Education settings

• ASN schools

• Mainstream schools supporting pupils with additional support needs

• Early years practitioners and nursery staff

Family and community environments

• Parents and carers supporting children with additional support needs

• Family members supporting individuals with autism, anxiety or sensory regulation needs

• Carers supporting individuals with dementia or memory difficulties

Health and community professionals

• Community support teams

• Learning disability support services

• Charities and third sector organisations working with families and carers

Training Format

Training is delivered in person within your setting and includes a balance of explanation, demonstration and practical learning. With a typical training group size of 12 participants per session. If your organisation has a larger team, please feel free to get in touch to discuss options.

If you are unsure whether Functional Reflex Therapy would be appropriate for your setting, I would be happy to discuss your requirements.

Email: marcia@pathway2wellbeing.com or Call : 07804574030.

Feedback from Participants

Functional Reflex Therapy training has now been delivered to schools, early years practitioners, healthcare teams, parents and carers across Scotland. Below is a selection of feedback from practitioners, parents, carers and pupils who have taken part in training sessions.

Feedback from Education Staff

"It was very informative and relaxing."

"The hands-on practice helped me understand exactly what the child will feel."

"Calming, great pace and beneficial for our setting."

"It was engaging, practical and relevant to our role."

"I enjoyed how relaxed it made me feel – I can see how helpful this will be for the children we support."

"The practical element and understanding of how to take this forward in school was excellent."

Feedback from Early Years Practitioners

"I enjoyed the FRT training and know it will be beneficial in the nursery to help children relax."

"Relaxed environment, lots of practice, and the resources to take away are amazing."

"The training exceeded my expectations. I feel motivated and excited to embed this in my practice."

"Loved the handbook – it means I can revisit the techniques and practise."

"This has been the best training I have taken part in. I believe it will make such a positive impact for our children and staff."

Feedback from Parents and Carers

"It’s very easy to do and very calming for the person receiving it as well as yourself."

"Learning the techniques in such a relaxed and supportive environment made it easy to understand."

"The calming atmosphere and simple routine made it easy to see how this could help at home."

"Thank you so much for this opportunity – it will really help us at home."

"Very useful, relaxing and informative. I would highly recommend it."

"It's so simple and so effective. You'll be surprised how something so simple can relax you so much."

"It is really worthwhile for both you and the person you care for."

"Marcia is phenomenal at what she does – I'm so glad I attended both sessions."

Feedback from Primary School Pupils

"It makes me feel sleepy."

"It makes me feel comfortable."

"It can really relax the body."

"If someone is stressed they could do this and feel calmer."

Feedback from Health Care Professionals

Community Learning Disability Nursing Team:

"Really enjoyable and an amazing therapy we can signpost to families and carers."

"Very informative – we can definitely recommend this to families we support."

"This therapy could be highly beneficial for many of the patients we work with in the community."

Enquiries

If you would like to explore introducing Functional Reflex Therapy within your school, early years setting or organisation, please feel free to get in touch. I would be happy to:

• answer any questions about the training

• discuss whether the approach may suit your setting

• arrange a short exploratory call if helpful

Email: marcia@pathway2wellbeing.com or Call : 07804574030.

Training is delivered across Scotland.