Workshops at The Nest

Featured Workshop

Confidence and Self-Talk

A whole-school workshop framework, adapted from Reception to Year 13

Overview

This interactive workshop helps children and young people understand confidence in a simple, practical way by exploring how their thoughts influence how they feel and what they do when learning, trying new things, or facing challenges.

Rather than focusing on “positive thinking”, the workshop helps students notice unhelpful self-talk and practise choosing kinder, more supportive thoughts that make it easier to have a go, cope with mistakes, and manage pressure.

The workshop is grounded in cognitive behavioural principles, adapted carefully for each age group so concepts remain accessible, meaningful, and engaging.

Who the workshop is for

This workshop framework is adapted for different age groups, with language, examples, and activities tailored carefully to each developmental stage:

• Early Years / Reception

• KS1 (ages 5–7)

• KS2 (ages 8–11)

• KS3 (ages 11–14)

• KS4 & KS5 (GCSE & A-Level students)

Sessions are usually delivered separately by key stage to ensure content is developmentally appropriate.

What students learn

Depending on age and stage, students are supported to:

• Understand that everyone has an “inner voice”

• Recognise the difference between thoughts that support confidence and thoughts that hold them back

• Learn that confidence isn’t about being perfect, but about having a go

• Use simple “thought helper” questions to decide whether a thought is worth listening to

• Notice how changing self-talk can affect feelings, behaviour, and confidence

• Understand how pressure and anxiety can impact performance (older students)

How the workshop works

Each session combines:

• Short, age-appropriate discussion

• Whole-group interactive activities (e.g. sorting thoughts into helpful and unhelpful)

• A structured creative or reflective task suited to the age group

• Guided reflection linking thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and confidence

This approach helps make abstract psychological ideas concrete, memorable, and usable in everyday situations.

Planning and materials

Each workshop is fully planned and delivered by me.

• Lesson plans are provided in advance if required

• All materials are supplied, including pens, paper, and resources

• Sessions are designed to run smoothly within the school day, with clear structure and routines

This allows school staff to focus on supporting pupils, without needing to prepare additional materials.

Why this matters

Confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing are closely linked to learning, friendships, behaviour, and performance in school.

By learning how to notice and gently change unhelpful self-talk, students are better able to:

• persevere when learning feels difficult

• manage mistakes and setbacks more calmly

• cope with pressure and expectations

• approach new or challenging situations with greater confidence

These are skills that can be practised and strengthened over time, both in and out of school.

Practical details

• Length: Typically 60 minutes per session

• Format: Whole-class, year-group, or cohort workshops

• Group size: Adapted to suit school needs

• Delivery: In-school

• Resources: All materials provided by The Nest

Each workshop includes a clear structure and predictable routines to support focus, engagement, and behaviour.

Workshop Fees

Workshops are priced at £150 per 60-minute session.

This includes planning, delivery, all materials, and access to optional follow-up resources for families.

Discounted rates are available for multiple sessions, year-group bookings, or half-day and full-day workshops.
Please get in touch to discuss your school’s needs.

Follow-up support

To help reinforce learning beyond the session, families are offered access to a free mindfulness audio, created specifically to support children and young people in practising the skills introduced during the workshop.

The audio can be listened to at home as often as needed and is designed to:

• support calm and emotional regulation

• reinforce key ideas from the session

• help children feel more confident using the skills independently

Access details are shared via the school after the workshop.

About the facilitator

Rachel Bernard is a former primary school teacher and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist with over 25 years’ experience working with children and families.

She runs The Nest Hypnotherapy, where she supports children, teenagers, and adults with confidence, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing using practical, evidence-based approaches.

Her work with schools focuses on making psychological concepts accessible, age-appropriate, and genuinely useful in everyday life.

Enquiries

If you’d like to discuss workshops for your school or setting, please get in touch to talk through your needs, availability, and suitable formats.