Special Yoga at the Shift Movement Yoga conference.

We recently had the pleasure of being part of an inspiring event hosted by The Shift Movement, an organization dedicated to bringing yoga to schools across Gloucester. This unique day was more than just a conference; it was a celebration of yoga, entirely led by the students who love it.

Special Yoga’s advanced Practitioner Jaz Wall was invited to share SY practices at this event, and the experience was truly uplifting.

The Students’ Vision

“The children had asked for a conference day that celebrated yoga because they saw their peers in school going to various sports days, like football tournaments and other sports conferences, but they hadn't experienced that for yoga. So they wanted an opportunity to celebrate what they do and celebrate yoga, which is really great.” Says Jaz.

Secondary school students, who had previously trained as yoga ambassadors through The Shift Network’s program, took the lead in organizing the day. From deciding what they wanted the day to include to designing their own t-shirts, these young ambassadors were at the heart of the event.

A Day of Exploration and Inclusion

The conference featured various rooms, each offering a different aspect of yoga. Jaz lead the “Yoga for Everyone” room, introducing Special Yoga practices to children selected from various schools, many of whom are on the SEND register. The staff members who participated alongside the children, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

“The Special Yoga practices were quite different and new for them, which was really lovely. They seemed very calm and relaxed by the end, which was nice as we were just getting our bodies ready for the day,” Jaz reflected on the workshop.

Empowering Educators with Inclusive Yoga Practices

Jaz also led a session for the attending staff, which included teachers, teaching assistants, and a deputy head. This workshop focused on making yoga more inclusive, particularly for students with autism and ADHD. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all the participants expressing interest in further training with Special Yoga.

“A lot of the staff felt reassured that they were doing the right things for the children, with several saying they had been doing similar things and found it helpful to understand why those methods were beneficial.”

Reflections and Hopes for the Future

As schools increasingly feel the strain of increased EHC plans and Autism diagnosis’, there’s a growing need to integrate these practices into the curriculum. The mental health challenges faced by many students, including those awaiting autism and ADHD diagnoses, underscore the importance of these practices. While there’s still a long way to go, events like this one show that progress is being made.

Looking Ahead

There’s hope that this event will become an annual fixture, with further training and support for schools on the horizon. The interest from staff and the potential for funding from Active Glos suggest that the seeds planted during this conference will continue to grow.

In the end, this event was not just a celebration of yoga but a celebration of the students, educators, and communities who believe in its power. As we look to the future, there’s a sense of optimism that yoga will continue to find its place in schools, benefiting children and staff alike.

If you’re interested in bringing Special Yoga to your school or learning more about our inclusive practices, we’re here to support you on this journey. Let’s continue to empower the next generation through the transformative power of yoga.