Special Yoga for Special Children
Foundation Teacher Training - London
Course Starts 7th September
In Person Learning Starts on
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September
Undertaking a Special Yoga training is not just about learning how to take care of children, but a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
This life-changing practice requires commitment, but were here to guide and support you - your thirst for knowledge is just the beginning
A Special Yoga Course will touch your heart and change your life. Learn the skills to confidently share yoga, as well as the value of self compassion.
Rebekah
Why Special Yoga For Children?
Mental and emotional resilience
Strength, coordination and flexibility
Sleep quantity and quality
Attention and concentration
Self and co-regulation
Reducing reactive behaviours
Special Yoga combines practical therapeutic tools involving movement, breathwork, singing & sound, massage & energy, relaxation, mindfulness, working with the feet and self-care.
Regular practise can offer improvements in the following areas:
Digestive health
Managing emotional trauma
Communication and relationships
Physical pain relief
Developing compassionate connections with self and others
At Special Yoga we believe that everybody has the right to shine
No prior experience of Yoga is required to study our methodology; simply show up with an open heart and mind, and a willingness to set aside expectations and learn.
Jyoti Manuel - Special Yoga Founder
Why Special Yoga For You?
As parents, carers, educators, and therapists, we can underestimate the impact and importance of our state of being for those in our care.
We are often so busy trying to make everything right for the children that we create an anxious state in ourselves, trying to control the impossible.
When we are calm, regulated and connected to our hearts, we create an unspoken communication circle of safety and care. From there, everyone can thrive.
Effective self-regulation practices
Simple mindfulness techniques
The benefits of regular self-practice
Confidence to help to children in your care
How to design your own yoga practice
Improve balance in your own home
A greater capacity to deal with life’s challenges
Access to a community of supportive individuals
Special Yoga- it isn't just what you learn, it's what you become.
For invoiced bookings or to discuss multi-place bookings please email
info@specialyoga.co.uk
To be certified at the end of the course you will need to attend all in person and online training and study group sessions and complete the course assignments.
For terms and conditions of booking including cancellation and refunds policy please read our Terms and Conditions
About this Foundation Level Course
In Person Days
Venue: Jack Tizard School, South Africa Road, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 7PA
Learn the methodology, make observations of teachers practising with children, start to shape and share with your peer community
Saturday 14th September: 10am - 5pm
Sunday 15th September: 10am - 5pm
Saturday 28th September: 10am - 5pm
Please note parking is only available at the school on Sunday
Live Webinars Via Zoom
Continue the learning and work with your peers in study groups following assignments to enhance your understanding of the practices and how to adapt them.
Teaching Webinar on Saturday 7th September: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Study Group Webinar during week commencing Sunday 29th September
Teaching Webinar on Saturday 19th October: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Study Group Webinar during week commencing Sunday 27th October
Community and Resources
From the start of the course your learning will be enriched by becoming part of an exclusive course community space where you can chat to teachers and your peers online and gain access to the Resource Library.
This video and written guidance will consolidate your in person learning of the methodology and includes film of Jyoti and senior practitioners adapting the practices as they work with children with a variety of diagnoses
You’ll also join the wider Special Yoga community where you’ll find practices for self care, regular news posts and book and music recommendations.
What You’ll Learn
A Special Yoga foundation training will give you the tools to bring the children in your care to a space of calm, promoting learning, healing and joy.
This course provides you with the knowledge and techniques to support children with a diverse range of additional needs. On completion, you’ll be confident to assist children with diagnoses of autism, cerebral palsy, PMLD and down syndrome, in addition to complex needs and anxiety disorders, and to guide groups or 1:1 in holistic practices to foster their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Some of these practices include:
Methodology & Practice
Self compassion, patience and kindness and the impact of our thoughts when practising ourselves or with another.
Pranayama - Breathwork
The importance of breathing well and how to use, and support a child to use breath practices for different situations
Singing and Sound
Use singing and sound to stimulate vagal tone and calm the nervous system.
Asana - Postures
Postures from standing, sitting and lying down which bring balance, core strength, flexibility, motor planning and coordination and calm
Deep Relaxation
Deep relaxation practices which support the body to heal, the mind to calm and inner peace to be discovered.
Massage & Energy
Reduce anxiety and increase energy and concentration with massage and energy practices.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness tools to help recognition of emotional states and how to manage them with self compassion and kindness
Working with the Feet
Learn how to work with the feet to stimulate and nourish the whole body.
Bring it Together
Adapt the tools and practice for different diagnoses and situations
Leading the Training
Jyoti Manuel
Although you won’t meet Jyoti on the course you’ll find her in the Resource Library and in the Special Yoga Community.
Jyoti Jo Manuel is a world-renowned authority on therapeutic yoga for children, with many years of experience and a deep knowledge of the subject. She has trained hundreds of practitioners to deliver Special Yoga effectively and impactfully around the world, and in the UK, to local councils, academies, and individual special schools.
Jyoti has worked in education for the NHS and co-leads the education pillar for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Yoga in Society.
Frankie Arpino
Francesca is the mother of a child with global delay and autism, which is how she discovered Special Yoga. For the past 8 years, she’s worked as a mentor, Senior practitioner, and trainer, witnessing incredible results in children and young adults with diverse needs like autism, ADHD, and Down's Syndrome.
Through gentle practice, Frankie’s helped children improve self-regulation, posture, digestion, concentration, and overall body awareness, while also empowering parents, practitioners, and educators to witness and contribute to their growth.
Karen Ayers
Driven by a passion for empowering children and adults with SEN/D and their families, Karen shares the transformative power of Special Yoga in specialist schools.
A seasoned practitioner, trainer, and study group leader for the flagship Foundation Course, she combines her expertise in Early Years and Special Educational Needs with being a parent of a child with Special Needs. Her personal journey seeking support for her child with SEN led Karen to Special Yoga, but the benefits extended far beyond. She discovered tools for emotional regulation, fostering calmness within herself and equipping her to navigate the tides of emotions inherent in being a SEN parent.
For invoiced bookings or to discuss multi-place bookings please email
info@specialyoga.co.uk
To be certified at the end of the course you will need to attend all in person and online training and study group sessions and complete the course assignments.
For terms and conditions of booking including cancellation and refunds policy please read our Terms and Conditions
Everything we teach at Special Yoga is grounded in love,
with respect for ourselves and compassion for those in our care.
Jyoti Manuel - Special Yoga Founder
Student Testimonials For This Course
-
![]()
"It has been a truly life-enhancing experience.
The Foundation course has exceeded my expectations. It’s made me rethink my daily relationships at home and work and has helped me to become much more grounded and mindful. Further to this I have learned tools and techniques that I can use to help me and my children to stay connected, relaxed and to feel happier and more confident. I would highly recommend this course.”
- Ivana
-
![]()
“I am so grateful, and I know my students are too.
This training has developed my practice in sharing yoga with young people with SEN. It has been a joy to deepen the connection and engagement with all the young people I have the privilege to share yoga with. The materials, community, shared experience and time to embed and immerse into the Special Yoga approach have been truly inspirational.”
- Andrew
-
![]()
"I look forward to my next SY training.
This is a comprehensive and thoughtful course taught by teachers who really care about working with children and young adults with additional support needs. I feel incredibly grateful that this course has been placed online as I've wanted to do it for some years now. A lot of time and attention to detail has been included and the support provided was invaluable.”
- Clare
-
![]()
“I learned so much from this course
which has impacted every aspect of my life, not only my professional practice but my everyday. I feel deeply grateful and privileged to have been part of this course. Thank you”
- Susan
-
![]()
“Small changes are transformational.
The course has helped me to gain a better understanding of my state as a teacher when supporting a child with yoga. The child is our teacher too. The staff on the course are real gems, inspiring new teachers to connect through yoga.”
- Hardip
For invoiced bookings or to discuss multi-place bookings please email
info@specialyoga.co.uk
To be certified at the end of the course you will need to attend all in person and online training and study group sessions and complete the course assignments.
For terms and conditions of booking including cancellation and refunds policy please read our Terms and Conditions