How Richard Atkins Primary School is using The Happiness Programme to both support and reward learning

Although the school has only recently introduced the interactive light projector, staff have already found it to be a versatile tool that supports both learning and emotional regulation across their mainstream Key Stage 1 classes and SEND provision.

Rather than scheduling lengthy sessions, the team has built the projector into the curriculum via short, focused 10-minute activities. These flexible sessions are used in different ways depending on the needs of the children, whether that’s helping a pupil regulate, providing a movement break, or recognising positive behaviour and effort.

“If they do good listening, they know they’ll get a turn on the projector. Everybody wants to be involved, so it encourages them to engage and do their best.”

Staff have also noticed that pupils return to class calmer, more focused and ready to learn after spending time with the projector.

“The teacher really noticed a big difference in terms of sitting down and being focused.”

One pupil in particular has become a huge fan of the projector. During our call, he happily wheeled it into the classroom, eager to begin another session. A keen mathematician, his favourite activities include Piggy Bank and Fruit Basket, often demonstrating to staff exactly how to navigate the activities himself.

Fruit Basket has also become a favourite across the school. While the children enjoy collecting fruit and interacting with the colourful projection, staff have also been using the activity to spark conversations about healthy eating, helping pupils identify healthier food choices and encouraging them to try different fruits.

The projector is being used both one-to-one and in small groups, with staff observing opportunities for children to practise turn-taking, sharing and collaborative play alongside curriculum-based learning.

Although the school is still in the early stages of its Happiness Programme journey, the flexibility of the projector has already stood out.

“It’s relevant for all ages, mainstream and SEND.”

One moment that particularly stood out involved a parent of an autistic child, who had come into school for a meeting. Staff invited both parent and child to spend some time with The Happiness Programme projector together, and by the end of the session, the atmosphere had completely relaxed.

“His mother was very happy. She got engaged in the activity with her son… and saw that (the projector) can regulate, it can help them learn.”

In just a few minutes, the Happiness Programme projector helped create a calmer, more positive environment, giving both parent and child an opportunity to connect through play before returning to the rest of the school day.

Although it’s still early days, the impact has already been clear. When asked whether they would recommend The Happiness Programme to other schools, the answer was simple: “Yes, I would.”. From supporting emotional regulation and recognising positive behaviour to enriching classroom learning and creating meaningful moments for families, the projector is proving to be a valuable resource for both mainstream education and SEND provision.