A teacher at a North Yorkshire independent prep school has introduced hygge lessons to bring learning about Scandinavia to life.

Katie Page, special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) at Belmont Grosvenor, has introduced weekly lessons to year four pupils that embrace the hygge way of living and learning.

Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’, the Danish concept translates as a feeling of wellbeing and cosy contentment.

Page said: “As a SENCo I am always interested in supporting how children learn best and lots of studies show that children do this when they feel comfortable. Youngsters in Scandinavian classrooms, and also in Canada where I used to teach, rarely wear shoes and also have flexible seating.

“We use cosy blankets and quilts, often play music in the background and have a roaring fire on the whiteboard too. Pupils bring in cosy socks as it makes them feel happy and I’m relaxed about them lying on the floor while they learn.

As a SENCo I am always interested in supporting how children learn best and lots of studies show that children do this when they feel comfortable

“Teaching like this has encouraged the children to try hard and feel safe in their learning and they are all extremely focused.”

Headmistress Sophia Ashworth Jones added: “Linking the Year 4’s topic work on Scandinavia to hygge has enabled our pupils to really embrace and develop their understanding of the subject.

“Here at Belmont Grosvenor School we put our children’s wellbeing at the heart of all we do. We are always looking at new ways to inspire our pupils and instil a love of learning in all they do.”