http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england...set/7380875.stm


"The head teacher of a Weston-super-Mare school has defended his decision to allow a masseuse in to rub the backs of teenage pupils and staff.

Neville Coles said the service offered weekly for the past three months at Priory Community school de-stressed Year 11 pupils before their exams.

Mr Coles said it was proving a positive experience for borderline grade pupils.

The school spent £150 subsidising the first massages, but now the 10 pupils are paying £5 for a 30-minute session.

Mr Coles said a group called the "magic 25" who are not guaranteed to get five A-C grades, approached him about having a massage after hearing that the rugby team was benefiting.

"I didn't actually like massages myself to be honest, but I have had one to make sure it was an appropriate service. It is a standard massage you'd get in any health club.

"These are 16-year-olds, Year 11 students. I have met Karen [the masseuse], and I know her qualifications. There are no risks.

"Everyone has described it as a positive experience and I think innovation is vital. We believe in doing things in a different way and our results are improving year on year.

Parental consent is required and rubdowns do not take place in lesson-time ."

Great idea !

We have massage therapists at work. They set up in a confernce room once a week, dim the lights, do some aroma therapy, etc... Employees book them through the Outlook calendar. It's GREAT. People love it and they are destressed and refreshed.

I think it's an awesome idea for students and it sounds like they're doing it right that it's done not during classtime and with parental permission. Perfect. Not too mention, a lot of schools have done away with lockers for safety reasons and kids backs are getting all wonked out having to carry backpacks that are sometimes 40+ lbs.

Bring that to my school and I'll love you forever.

Ya, not very bizarre really. Many places of employment have it set up where anyone can make an appointment to visit the masseuse on the days she is on site. The best companies have a variety of spiritual services as well. Tis all about including a cultural component that represents the majority of their employees.