Surrey, 18 March - MiniMassage, an innovative infant massage training and accreditation scheme for nursery and preschool professionals has been launched by Rowan Perkin Ltd, a leading provider of 0-5 years well-being services.

MiniMassage is an internationally accredited and approved infant massage training programme for childcare staff. Designed specifically for the childcare setting, MiniMassage is ideal for babies, toddlers and the under fives.

Massage is the most natural way of communicating with a child before they are able to talk and provides a safe way of meeting the nurturing objectives identified by theCross-Party Manifesto: The 1001 Critical Days, The Importance of the Conception to Age Two Period, which states:

"Our goal is for every baby to receive sensitive, appropriate and responsive care from their main caregivers in the first years of life."

Just 10 minutes of infant massage releases oxytocin, the happy hormone so both children and childcare staff feel calm, relaxed and happy. 

Launching the 2-day training programme, Rowan Perkin, founder and director of Rowan Perkin Ltd commented: 

"We've worked with parents and infants directly for many years. Research and feedback from our 2,000 plus client base has shown that parents would like their daycare setting to provide infant massage as part of the core offering, but sadly very few provide this service.

"Our 2-day training course means that nursery staff are properly accredited in how to provide massage and they can understand the benefits of different massage routines for tackling common issues such as sleep, reflux and separation anxiety. 

‘MiniMassage in daycare settings helps children to settle, it is gentle and nurturing and actively promotes well-being and it provides staff ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD)."

Suitable for nursery staff, childminders, nannies and residential unit carers, the course covers the history and benefits of infant massage, practical demonstrations and specific routines for common childhood problems including sleep, reflux and separation anxiety.

For more information on MiniMassage, please visit: www.minimassage.co.uk

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For more information or to arrange an interview contact: Catherine Grinyer: 07713248387 or email: catherine@bigvoicecommunications.co.uk 

Notes to editors:

1. The MiniMassage training accreditation scheme is owned and operated by Rowan Perkin Ltd: www.rowanperkin.co.uk/minimassage and is accredited by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists.

2. Rowan Perkin is available for comment or interview.