Hamish & Milo 

Mrs Barnes 

H&M Champion 

At the heart of the Hamish & Milo approach is a simple belief: children learn and thrive best when they feel safe, valued and that they belong.

The programme focuses on building strong, nurturing relationships between children and the adults who support them. When children feel understood and supported, they are more likely to feel happy, confident and ready to learn.

Why relationships matter

Many children experience worries, big emotions or challenges that can affect how they feel at school. Hamish & Milo helps children develop the emotional skills they need by creating safe, trusting relationships and a supportive environment.

Through positive connections with adults and peers, children can feel:

• heard and understood

• emotionally safe

• part of a group where they belong

This sense of belonging helps children feel calmer and more confident.

Helping children understand their emotions

A key part of the programme is helping children learn to recognise, understand and talk about their feelings.

Children are supported to:

• develop emotional vocabulary

• understand what is happening in their bodies and minds when they experience strong emotions

• learn strategies to manage feelings such as worry, frustration or anger

• build positive relationships with others

Adults work closely with children to help them co-regulate, meaning they support children in calming and managing emotions until the child gradually learns to do this more independently.

Learning through creative activities

Hamish & Milo sessions include a range of creative and engaging activities designed to help children explore emotions and life experiences in a safe way.

These activities may include:

• discussion and storytelling

• creative expression

• reflective conversations

• activities that build emotional awareness

Each activity helps children better understand their feelings and develop skills for managing them in everyday situations.

Our Hamish & Milo Champions

The programme is led by trained school staff known as Hamish & Milo Champions. These practitioners create safe and supportive spaces where children can take part in group or individual sessions.

Their role is to help children feel comfortable, understood and connected so they can build confidence, strengthen relationships and improve their emotional wellbeing.

Supporting children to thrive

By helping children feel emotionally safe and supported, Hamish & Milo enables them to develop the skills they need for:

• positive relationships

• communication

• emotional regulation

• engagement with learning

When children feel secure and understood, they are better able to participate in school life and enjoy learning.

 For More information the Hamish & Milo booklet can be seen here.