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Are you interested in the Circles for Learning programme for your school? Book a free consultation with Alison using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

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Circles for Learning with Alison Waterhouse
Episode on the 'In This Together' podcast
Observing Others: How Watching Babies can Improve Pupil Wellbeing
Episode on the 'Psychology in the Classroom' podcast with Lucinda Powell
The 5 Essential Elements to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing with Alison Waterhouse
Episode on the 'School Behaviour Secrets' podcast with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

Book your free consultation

Are you interested in the Circles for Learning programme for your school? Book a free consultation with Alison using our contact form and we'll be in touch.

Thank you, your submission has been received!
Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.

Circles for Learning

A powerful programme to build emotional literacy, resilience, understanding and wellbeing

Circles for Learning is an early-intervention programme for KS1–KS3 schools that builds positive foundations for children’s mental health and wellbeing: emotional literacy, relational understanding, self-awareness and resilience. By observing, engaging and interacting with a parent and their young child over the course of a year, pupils develop a deeper understanding of emotions, behaviour, relationships and themselves—helping schools create calmer, more compassionate and emotionally aware classrooms.

How it works
85%
increase in emotional literacy
74%
improvement in social skills
69%
increase in self-awareness

Supporting the Ofsted Inspection Framework

With strong emphasis on inclusion, behaviour and personal development within the Ofsted inspection framework, Circles for Learning is an opportunity for schools to show a structured, accredited approach through measurable, child-centred practice.

Pastoral support & pupil welfare

Circles for Learning develops children's social, emotional and relational skills, building emotional literacy, resilience and relational understanding.

Inclusion

A fully inclusive programme for pupils across KS1–KS3, helping embed inclusive practice while building trust, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

Safeguarding & Accountability

Delivered by licensed practitioners trained to national safeguarding standards and with clear structures, protocols and professional boundaries.

Professional Development & Leadership

Staff members are provided with accredited training and professional development and are better able to respond to emotional needs, building a culture of relational practice.

Behaviour & Targeted Interventions

Helps children understand behaviour as communication while developing emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness and healthy relationships through early intervention.
“Circles for learning brought emotions into the classroom in a way where the young people could see them and reflect on them safely.”
“The Circles for Learning project helped me to see my pupils’ emotional and social needs alongside their academic ones and gave us the time and space to explore this together.”
“Giving children the time to talk about emotions and learn ways to manage them helped me understand the children better which created a wonderful classroom environment.”
“The programme enabled my class the space to explore and plan for transition and develop strategies to help each other cope. It was amazing as they became really supportive and respectful of each other’s needs."

Case Studies

Hear from teachers at schools that have taken part in the Circles for Learning programme and learn the real classroom impact of this unique approach to emotional wellbeing and resilience.
In action

Podcasts

Listen to podcasts exploring how Circles for Learning helps children and young people grow in resilience and creates the conditions for meaningful, lasting change.
Listen now

Independent Practitioner Network

Our Independent Practitioner Network is the easy way for schools to benefit from the Circle for Learning programme without a licensed practitioner.
Find a practitioner
Alison Waterhouse is an educational psychotherapist, former SENCo, head teacher and founder of circles for learning

Alison Waterhouse

Alison Waterhouse is the founder of Circles for Learning. With a career in education spanning 30 years, Alison has worked as a class teacher, SENCo, head of inclusion, head teacher, educational psychotherapist, advisor and published author.

Book your free consultation