Yoga for pupils with SEN
Every child deserves to move, breathe and grow.
We run calm, structured yoga for small groups of pupils with additional needs, in special schools, in SEN units and resource bases, and with small groups taken out of a mainstream class.
Twenty minutes, in a small group
The same shape every week: a short flow, poses with picture cards, breathing, and a rest at the end.
Sameness is the point. Pupils know what’s coming, and that’s what lets them settle.
We use picture cards throughout, so pupils can follow pictures rather than spoken instructions, and choice cards so a pupil can point or reach instead of having to find the words. A look, a reach or a sound all count as joining in.
A member of your staff stays in the room, and we follow their lead on every pupil.
Special schools, units, small groups and colleges
Special schools
Small groups, the same teacher every week, and a session shaped around your pupils.
SEN units and resource bases
In mainstream schools, for the pupils who need a calmer, more structured session.
Small groups within a class
A handful of pupils taken out of a mainstream class for twenty minutes.
SEN colleges and post 16
The same approach with a more grown up tone and a longer relaxation.
We work with pupils from 3 to 24. SEN is about need, not age. A session that works with a reception group often works just as well with a college group, with a more grown up tone and a longer relaxation.
We bring the kit
We bring mats, picture cards, choice cards, scarves, bean bags and a breathing ball.
You provide a room with floor space, or chairs if that suits the group better, and a member of staff in the room.
Safe, every session
Staff in the room
A member of school staff stays in the room for the whole session.
No hands on adjustments
We guide with words, pictures and our own movement, never by touch.
No photos or videos
We never photograph or film pupils.
Your lead on every pupil
We follow your safeguarding policy and your staff’s lead on individual pupils.
Checked before we start
A risk assessment and venue checklist are completed before the first session.
Covered and checked
Every teacher holds an enhanced DBS and £5m public liability insurance.
Trained for additional needs
Every Happy Kids Yoga teacher is trained to work with children with additional needs as part of their children’s yoga qualification. On top of that, we have written our own SEN training, from real sessions in special schools, and reviewed before we taught it by a SENCO of twelve years, a speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist.
We’re not therapists and we don’t claim to be. We’re yoga teachers, trained to work well alongside the staff who know your pupils.
Our SEN training, from a franchisee
“The training was really well structured. We learned about it first, then went into the school in the afternoon to see it in action, and that was a massive help. You can’t get that from just talking about it. I like that everything is written down, so when I start working with a special school or a SEN group in a mainstream school I can go back over it. I don’t think there’s anything I don’t feel ready for. I feel more supported and more confident approaching those situations, and I know I can message or ring if I need help.”
Start with a free taster
A thirty minute visit and a twenty minute session with one group, so you can see how your pupils respond before you decide anything. Tell us about your school and we’ll put you in touch with your nearest teacher.
