Mental health experts have come up with a top ten list of songs to help motivate pupils as they return to the classroom this week.

Experts from the Freedom Foundation say music can create calmness that makes children feel safe and secure which, in turn, can lead to them interacting and participating more.

The songs are divided into three groups: for motivation on a Monday morning, for midweek motivation and for motivation at the end of the week, as follows:

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For motivation on a Monday morning

1. Shine by Emili Sande

2. Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield

3. High Hopes by Panic! at the Disco

For midweek motivation

4. Smile by Jungle

5. Happy by Pharrell Williams

6. Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine

7. Giants by Dermot Kennedy

For motivation at the end of the week

8. Friday by Riton & Nightcrawlers

9. Stronger by Sam Feldt (featuring Ke$ha)

10. I Feel Good by James Brown

The Freedom Foundation is a social enterprise that delivers dance, singing and song-writing programmes in schools to improve mental health and wellbeing. The list of songs form part of a series of tips on how teachers can use music and dance to help children with the transition back into school after lockdown.

Freedom Foundation director Laura Grant said:  “We began working digitally and in person with students after the end of the first lockdown. Across the board, we saw a massive decrease in motivation - not just for schoolwork, but for everything - and a big increase in anxiety.

“What’s vital now is that we allow our children to be children, we give them the freedom and independence they’ve missed over the last year and we help them work through the anxieties and the struggle they’ve faced emotionally as a result.”