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Keys to Happier Living Toolkit for Schools

Keys To Happier Living Title Graphic V2

The Keys to Happier Living Toolkit is an engaging, accessible and evidence-based programme to promote the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children aged 5-11

There are two versions of the Toolkit, one for ages 5-7 and the other for ages 7-11. You can use the form below to find out more and access the online ordering system.

Both versions are based on the Action for Happiness Ten Keys to Happier Living framework  and have been piloted in primary schools with appropriate age groups. Qualitative feedback was very positive and quantiative analysis showed significant improvements in wellbeing and other areas. The toolkit for ages 7-11 was also previously awarded the PSHE Association Quality Mark.

KHTL-KS1 Main    KHTL-KS2 Main

The Toolkits are available to order online and cost £80 each for unlimited access to all resources for a full academic year. They consist of a set of downloadable digital resources which can be used/printed by the school as needed:

  • Toolkit for Teachers: full teaching materials covering an initial assembly and 11 subsequent lessons, with ideas for ongoing reinforcement
  • Journal for Children: each child receives their own journal to help embed learning
  • Journal for Adults: to help staff embed the ideas in their own lives too
  • Information Leaflet: for Parents and Carers about the Keys to Happier Living
  • Extensive supporting resources available to download

An Information Leaflet with some general activities has also been developed for teachers to introduce younger children (ages 4-5) to the GREAT DREAM framework. This is included in the downloadable resources for the Toolkit ages 5-7.


"A fantastic toolkit which has been shown to bring considerable benefits. Teachers will especially appreciate the huge array of ideas and creative resources. This program fills a vitally important gap in our schools and I highly recommend it" ~ Sir Anthony Seldon

"I strongly believe that the earlier we teach children how to look after themselves and others, the happier and more successful they will become, and this Toolkit provides the resources to do just that. Highly recommended!" Adrian Bethune (Toolkit 5-7)

"Provides a wide variety of stimulating and creative ideas for developing skills that support happier living and wellbeing in the lives of pupils and parents/carers" ~ PSHE Association (Toolkit 7-11)

The toolkit has been developed by Peter Harper and Val Payne along with Shannon Thorne and Tamarin Butcher for KS1 and with support from Action for Happiness.

Add your details below to find out more:

Feedback about the toolkit

The toolkit has received positive feedback from parents, children and teachers:

Parents' views:

  • "My daughter came home with her happier living journal and I would just like to compliment it. Wellbeing is so key. I love the fact that my children are being taught such things at school"

Children's views:

  • It was very helpful and helped me in my life"
  • "I think all schools should teach these lessons"

Teachers' views

  • "The sessions have given the children the chance to think about the things they can do in their everyday life to improve their own and other's lives"
  • "The children really enjoyed having time to reflect on each of the keys. They linked them to their own lives and it offered a good opportunity for them to be thankful for all they have"

Book: 50 Ways to Feel Happy

50 Ways Image 1 - Cover

New Happiness book for children based on the Ten Keys to Happier Living, packed with fun activities to learn and try out.

POSTER: GREAT DREAM

Ten Keys to Happier Living

Great Dream 200

See the full set of posters

Children's kindness inspires commuters

Brockley Metro Kids V2

Pupils at John Stainer School re-branded Anti-Bullying Week as "It's Cool To Be Kind Week" and have been spreading kindness at school and in their local community.
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Book: Ten Keys to Happier Living

Ten Keys Book Packshot

Order your copy of our inspiring, science-based book and discover how to live a happier life and help create a happier world.

Helping children thrive

Schools have a vital role in helping children develop the capabilities to lead happy lives

Thriving schools

Recent decades have seen big increases in the proportion of young people with emotional and behavioural issues. Mental health problems are increasingly prevalent, with 20% of children experiencing such issues each year. These problems affect other areas of a child's life and also increase the likelihood of mental health difficulties later on in adult life.

Schools experience the day-to-day reality of these issues but are also vital in combating them and promoting good emotional health. Our vision is for a movement of schools placing happiness and well-being at the heart of their ethos and culture, and proactively sharing their approaches with others.