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Frequently Asked Questions2025-01-28T14:52:40+00:00

Frequently asked questions

If your question isn’t answered here, please email hello@hamishandmilo.org and we will help you.

Approach and content questions

What is the age range for the Hamish & Milo wellbeing programme?2025-01-28T15:06:22+00:00

We recommend that the programme is used for primary-aged children, particularly KS2. Many of the themes and session plans could be adapted for younger children and the activities could be supported, differentiated, and simplified for KS1, but it is the level of discussion and facilitation skills of the ELSA and/or Pastoral TA or facilitating adult who would be able to adjust the language and develop the discussion to the level of the children’s understanding and need.

Whilst aimed at primary children, we believe that the resource would be very suitable and accessible for year 7 children in middle schools or as part of small group nurture intervention for transition work from year 6 to year 7. Many children who have missed the opportunity for enhanced support around their emotional health and wellbeing when going onto secondary would still benefit from this opportunity at an intervention level.

Would the Hamish & Milo wellbeing programme be suitable for KS3 or Year 7?2025-01-28T14:26:07+00:00

Whilst the Hamish & Milo wellbeing intervention programme has been written for primary aged children, we believe it would still be relevant and suitable for children in year 7 as part of a small group intervention or transition programme. Children who may have missed the opportunity for enhanced small group intervention around their emotional wellbeing and mental health at year 7 would benefit from the range of activities, discussion and approach within this programme.

Can the wellbeing programme be used with whole class groups?2025-01-28T15:08:41+00:00

We recommend that these are small group intervention programmes. While we believe the content would be valuable for all children, they are most effective as small group or nurture group early intervention SEMH programmes, to support low-level emerging mental health needs. They have been written and created for small groups of children who need an enhanced approach and the opportunity to help them to make sense of their emotions and experiences. Often these small groups will be for children who need an enhanced level of support and care to help them feel valued, special and able to thrive more readily in school.

Can the programme be run with a child individually, 1-1?2025-01-28T15:09:37+00:00

The various emotion theme programmes are intended to be used for small nurture groups but it may be that 1-1 may be more appropriate in some circumstances. It is therefore possible for the intervention to be run 1-1 for a child who may have a more acute or immediate need or who may need enhanced special time with an ELSA or pastoral TA. For some children, a small group may simply be too overwhelming and they need a more individualised approach. The materials can be easily adapted and used 1-1 as part of an intervention programme.

How many children can be included in a group?2025-01-28T15:12:56+00:00

The groups are intended to be run with up to six children so that there is ample opportunity for children to be heard and involved in the discussion and activities. The groups aim to help children feel a sense of belonging and to strengthen or find new friendships. Having a small group can really enable this to happen.

It is also important to ensure that the pastoral staff member running the group is able to give time to each child and has space to review and notice how each child is responding, so it’s important to keep the group to a manageable size. Each of the emotion theme resource packs includes enough additional resources such as the sock puppets and wellbeing journals for six children, with an extra sock puppet for the facilitating adult. The resources can be repeatedly re-used to help more groups of children. You can also purchase additional bundles from just £1.30 per child.

There may be incidences where an individual child may have 1-1 intervention and this may be important for a range of reasons and can be decided by the pastoral staff member and SENCO.

How do we select children for the groups?2025-01-28T15:16:31+00:00

Understanding the needs of children and their experiences is key in how you might select children for the groups.

Some children will have presenting behaviours that suggest they may benefit from an intervention approach and it may be part of an EHCP or individualised support plan that intervention would be helpful. Parents/carers or teachers may raise awareness or concern for a child and it may be that an intervention group would help. The SENCO and pastoral staff member would perhaps be best placed to think about the needs of individual children, the potential group dynamics and to organise the children into whichever group may be most beneficial.

Using our Child Wellbeing Profiles may help to identify levels of need for specific children and it would be important to monitor and review the intervention programme in discussion with parents/carers/teachers or the member of staff running the group to ensure the best fit for children. Talking to children about what they would like and how they feel is important too and can help them to feel involved in important decisions about them.

We also have Compass a tool and checklist to identify individual child strengths and areas of need for social and emotional skill development to signpost towards the best Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Intervention programme or emotion theme for a child.

Do we have to use sock puppets in the intervention delivery?2025-01-28T15:17:18+00:00

Our sock puppets are intrinsic to the programme as a way of helping children to talk about, recognise and reflect on their feelings and experiences. They are used as a therapeutic distancing tool to help children feel safe to talk about feelings and experiences. We encourage each child to make their own with our carefully explained sock puppet kits and instruction cards that come with the programme and each theme. However, we do recognise that not all children may like puppets and might prefer not to use them. Or they might like to use other puppets for the same purpose. However, we hope you love our sock puppets as much as we do!

Can we access training to support delivery of the wellbeing programme?2025-01-28T15:30:08+00:00

We are committed to supporting all pastoral staff to deliver our programmes effectively and with awareness of the complexity of mental health needs that children experience. We, therefore, offer a range of free training to equip staff with greater confidence and conviction to deliver the intervention programmes effectively and with compassion, care, insight and awareness.

We offer Discovery Sessions – Free 30-minute webinars, and Explorer Sessions – Free 90-minute training webinars.

We also offer Expedition Sessions – training that is specific to each emotion theme programme that provides the theory, approach and information on the content and delivery. They cost £125 for up to four staff members.

We can also provide specific training to suit the needs of individual schools, clusters of schools, or Multi-Academy Trusts. This can be for whole school settings, groups of pastoral staff or mental health leads.

We offer Supervision Hub sessions to support pastoral staff in their work as we believe it’s vital that staff feel supported and valued and can reflect and talk with their peers about their experiences, as well as review the impact of the programme. These collaborative sessions offer staff the chance to share their experiences, ask questions and gain advice and insight.

We also provide free Navigator Training fortnightly, and free Families Together programme training.

We also offer Hamish & Milo Voyager a five-day ‘Level 3 Wellbeing in Education Award’ accredited by NCFE.

Who can facilitate the wellbeing programme?2025-01-28T15:32:01+00:00

We recommend that the Hamish & Milo programme is run by pastoral staff: ELSAs, nurture group leaders, pastoral TAs, school counsellors, SENCOs or mental health professionals or therapists.

The programme needs to be run ideally by adults who have an awareness of mental health and have had a level of training in safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing. We offer free training sessions to develop adults’ skills in understanding the content, theory and approach and this can be accessed through our website.

How much time is needed for the wellbeing programme?2025-01-28T15:33:31+00:00

Each emotion theme programme consists of ten sessions of approximately 40 minutes to be run weekly during a term. We would love to recommend an hour for each session but recognise that time in school is tight. Facilitating pastoral staff may need some preparation time to gather resources but the plans are complete so there is no actual planning time needed, as long as staff have read through and are familiar with the content of the session prior to delivering it. They may also need some administrative time to reflect on the children and review progress using the wellbeing profiles. This would need to be a consideration in running the programme.

How does the programme manage safeguarding protocols?2025-01-28T15:34:15+00:00

The Hamish & Milo programme enables children to talk about sensitive feelings and experiences with an empathic and caring adult and sometimes there may be disclosures or concerns that arise. We totally promote and expect that safeguarding policies and practices in schools are followed and that designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) are made aware and appropriate action taken and protocols followed. The safety and wellbeing of all children are paramount to our whole approach and to our beliefs. We also recommend that facilitating staff have received training in safeguarding and are clear about policy and practice within their school.

How does the Hamish & Milo wellbeing intervention support children’s mental health?2025-01-28T15:37:31+00:00

Mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of the Hamish & Milo SEL and SEMH programmes. The ten different emotion theme programmes aim to support some of the main areas of emotional health that children may face and that might be difficult for them to manage. Our SEMH programmes are targeted at early intervention for low-level or emerging mental health needs and to help alleviate escalation or the need for referral to external services. Read our research paper, in collaboration with the University of Bath on the evidenced outcomes for children who partake in the programme.

What is the value of small group or nurture group intervention?2025-01-28T15:38:29+00:00

Sometimes children need the opportunity to be part of a small group who may be experiencing similar situations or feelings. Being in a small group can give them reassurance that they are not alone and an enhanced sense of belonging. Being with an empathic and emotionally aware adult who can facilitate discussion and help children to understand their experiences can be beneficial to children’s wellbeing. Sharing their thoughts and feelings can help children to feel supported, reassured and emotionally held. They may develop new friendships within the group process and this can be a lifeline to children who may be feeling isolated or alone in their experiences. A planned and focused intervention can be powerful in alleviating emerging or early emotional needs.

General questions

Do you offer a discount?2025-01-28T14:57:09+00:00

Trusts, local authorities, or organisations looking to purchase 10 or more Hamish & Milo Wellbeing Intervention Programmes, Three Star, Four Star, or Five Star Bundles can apply for a 10% discount. Please email hello@hamishandmilo.org

How do I set up an account?2025-01-28T15:03:31+00:00

The first time you purchase from Hamish & Milo via the online shop an account is created at checkout. You will be prompted to leave an email address and create a password.

You must ensure that all your details are entered correctly as this information will form your account, especially your delivery address so we can be sure to send your wellbeing resources to the right location!

Once you have an account, you can edit your information anytime and see your order history for your convenience.

If you order Hamish & Milo Online (any Plus purchase option or Bundle) then additional functionality is added to your account so that you can access all the resources online. You can register any number of school pastoral staff for Hamish & Milo Online here.

Families Together Parent Programme

Can I use the programme more than once?2025-01-28T14:27:41+00:00

Yes, once you have purchased the Families Together parent programme you can use it with as many groups as you like. All the online resources are available for unlimited staff for unlimited time. We provide stickers, certificates and sock puppet pet craft kits for three groups and you can purchase top up bundles for additional groups at £75.

What do I need to run the programme?2025-01-28T14:28:06+00:00

All session plans are available online as well as downloadable resources such as templates, models and activities. We also send you the sock puppet pet craft kits, stickers and certificates.
• Access to a room or space for six children and six adults
• Refreshments such as tea, coffee, squash, milk, biscuits, cakes
• Supporting resources such as art materials, as outlined in our provided resource list
• Some preparation time

What should I do if a parent doesn’t come to one of the sessions?2025-01-28T14:28:26+00:00

Try to encourage a parent or family member to come each time because the importance is on the child having their special adult with them to do the family activity. It might be best for a child to miss a session if their parent or carer can’t make a session, or if there is a special adult who can step in on an odd occasion that could still work, but only as a last resort.

Do the parents and carers have to attend all ten sessions?2025-01-28T14:28:44+00:00

Yes. It is a ten-week programme and family members are encouraged to attend all sessions. Each week covers a new emotion theme and fundamental social and emotional development skills relevant to them even if their child has only completed one of the Hamish & Milo intervention groups.

What if the parents and carers are reluctant to join?2025-01-28T14:29:01+00:00

All you can do is encourage the parents and carers to join the programme by explaining how it is to help them understand more about Hamish & Milo and what their children are learning in their groups, as well as provide them with practical approaches, skills and language to support the wellbeing of their children. We hope they will be interested in coming but sometimes reluctant parents may join the next time when they have heard good things and word has spread!

Can I run the programme on my own or do I need extra staff?2025-01-28T14:29:18+00:00

This will depend on your school setting and your confidence. Ideally, it is best to have two adults to facilitate discussions and assist with activities. However, we understand that due to capacity issues in schools, it may be necessary for the programme to be run by just one facilitator.

Do I need training to run these workshops?2025-01-28T14:30:13+00:00

We suggest facilitators run the programme after attending our free 90-minute Families Together training session on content and implementation. A two-day accredited training programme is planned to build facilitator confidence, expertise and practice.with space for the activities and to ensure that everyone has time and opportunity to speak and share ideas in the group.

How often should I run the programme?2025-01-28T14:30:43+00:00

Depending on capacity and time, we recommend you run a Families Together programme once per term. It will depend on the number of children and parents you wish to be involved in the programme and the logistics for each school. You could have a waiting list and, depending on capacity, run additional groups.

Is Families Together a behaviour programme for parents and carers of children with challenging behaviours?2025-01-28T14:31:19+00:00

No. Families Together parent programme supports the understanding of children’s social and emotional development and the contents of Hamish & Milo SEMH programmes so that schools and families can better work together to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Can I have mixed ages of the children?2025-01-28T14:31:38+00:00

Yes, the groups can include children from different age groups. Parents can discuss a range of things about different emotions and experiences and relate it to their child whatever the age. It can be beneficial to have groups with children of similar ages. Remember, you know your children best!

How do I choose the children and families?2025-01-28T14:32:04+00:00

Knowing your children, you may like to select parents if you think they would benefit particularly from the programme and extend a personal invitation. Alternatively, you could hold an information session for all parents and carers of children who have been in an intervention group and offer a place to anyone who would like to join.

Can dads join?2025-01-28T14:32:25+00:00

Yes! Encourage dads, mums, stepparents, aunts, uncles, grandparents – whoever is a key caregiver and free to join the sessions. We recognise that some parents work, and it is hard to attend all sessions, but please encourage family members to come so that the child has a special adult with them each week. It works best if it is the same adult each week, but sometimes we have to be flexible as lives are busy.

How many children and adults would you suggest per group?2025-01-28T14:32:54+00:00

Like the main intervention programme aim for six children, and then a family member, whether a parent, carer, grandparent etc. per child. The group needs to be manageable for the size of the room with space for the activities and to ensure that everyone has time and opportunity to speak and share ideas in the group.

Orders and delivery questions

How much does delivery cost?2025-02-28T13:53:15+00:00

Depending on your order we ship via Royal Mail or Parcelforce.

The majority of our goods are shipped via Parcelforce with standard next day delivery at £9.95.

Smaller, light parcels where possible we send via Royal Mail £3.99 and may take a few days to arrive.

Items being shipped to Ireland and outside of the UK will be shipped at cost and agree’d on an individual basis.

Please contact us at hello@hamishandmilo.org to discuss your delivery should you have any queries or concerns.

Please refer to our Terms of Service for further information.

Can I get a free sample?2025-01-28T16:08:16+00:00

While we are unable to send you a full sample set, you can view the range of programme elements and see samples of our resources including the session plan samples, guidance booklet, child wellbeing profiles, parent/carer booklets, children’s wellbeing journals, certificates etc

I ordered the wrong product. What should I do?2025-01-28T16:08:43+00:00

Not to worry, these things happen. Just drop us an email at hello@hamishandmilo.org outlining your issue and we’ll try to resolve it for you. As long as the delivery hasn’t already left our offices, we can accommodate exchanges.

What happens if I wish to cancel my order?2025-01-28T16:09:11+00:00

We are sorry to hear this. Please contact us at hello@hamishandmilo.org and we will be happy to help you. However, if you still wish to cancel your order and it’s within 48 hours and has not yet been dispatched, then a full refund will be given.

Can I order with a purchase order number?2025-01-28T16:10:57+00:00

Yes, just simply complete your order via the online shop or order form and provide a purchase order number for credit to pay in 30 days.

An official school or trust purchase order number is essential when placing your order on credit terms.

Our payment details will be outlined on the invoice that we will send you upon receiving your order. Payment can be made by BACS; we DO NOT accept cheques.

Please note that there is a £50 minimum order value for all credit purchases. Our payment terms are strictly 30 days.

All our prices include VAT at the current rate.

How do I make my purchase?2025-01-28T16:13:18+00:00

You can use our order form or buy in our online shop – any complications please give us a call on 01202 942222.

Trusts or local authorities who are placing an order for 8+ schools please email hello@hamishandmilo.org for our Trust Order Form.

You can purchase our resources online by credit or debit card, BACS payment or request an invoice when you provide a purchase order number.

Please note that there is a £50 minimum order value for all credit purchases. Our payment terms are strictly 30 days. We DO NOT accept cheques.

Can I order certificates separately?2025-01-28T16:15:54+00:00

You sure can! We have packaged each of our session packs with six certificates as that is the recommended number of children per session group. You can order extra certificates for any future sessions you run or extra children. Our certificates are sold in packs of 30 and as part of our discounted Top up bundles of wellbeing journals, certificates and stickers for 30, 60 or 90 children.

Can I order wellbeing journals separately?2025-01-28T16:20:17+00:00

Absolutely. We have packaged all our programmes with six wellbeing journals as that is the recommended number of children per session group. You can order extra wellbeing journals for any extra sessions you run or extra children. Wellbeing journals are sold in packs of six or thirty and as part of our discounted Top up bundles of wellbeing journals, certificates and stickers for 30, 60 or 90 children.

If I place my order today, when can I expect a delivery?2025-01-28T16:21:13+00:00

We are in constant production to ensure we meet all orders. It usually takes us a couple of days to receive, pack and send your order, we aim to have each order processed in three to five days.

Delivery information, including dates, will be confirmed by email. We will keep you updated and advise you of your shipping date in good time.

Next steps

Hamish & Milo Clare Williams Discovery session

Each 30-minute Discovery Session covers the rationale, approach and framework of the Hamish & Milo wellbeing resources or watch a recorded Discovery Session now

SEMH Programme Supported By Evidence Hamish & Milo

“Emerging data shows statistically significant differences in observations about the emotional and behavioural presentation of children, pre- and post-intervention.”

Hamish & Milo SEMH Programme Samples

View samples of the session plan cards, child wellbeing profiles, parent and carer booklets and many other resources to see the range, content and quality.

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