Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools OMG

Overview of Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools

Yoga and mindfulness are well-established, evidence-based practices that enhance self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, and physical development in children and young people (CYP). These approaches integrate breath work, movement, and reflective stillness to help CYP regulate stress, develop resilience, and engage more fully in learning.

Delivery and Implementation

Sessions can be delivered in group or one-to-one formats and easily embedded into the rhythm of the school day. Practices may include:

• Breath awareness techniques
• Guided visualisation
• Gentle movement and postural awareness
• Stillness and focused attention

Even brief, consistent practices can create a significant impact on attention, calmness, and classroom engagement.

Key Principles and Benefits

Yoga and mindfulness are grounded in the principles of self-awareness, compassion, and intentionality. Regular practice can:

• Strengthen emotional literacy and self-regulation skills
• Decrease levels of stress and anxiety
• Improve sustained attention and learning readiness
• Foster respectful and collaborative peer interactions
• Enhance motor coordination, balance, and flexibility

Who Benefits?

These approaches are suitable for all learners and are particularly effective for those with:

• Social, emotional, or mental health needs (SEMH)
• Sensory integration difficulties
• Anxiety, trauma histories, or difficulties with focus and impulse control
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Sessions are adaptable across developmental stages and learning profiles.

Educational Applications

Yoga and mindfulness can be used as:

• A whole-school wellbeing initiative
• Targeted interventions to support individual pupils or small groups
• Classroom-based tools to support transitions and regulation
• Components of PSHE, PE, or enrichment programmes

They help create calm, reflective learning environments where pupils can access learning more fully.

What can staff do?

• Attend training or CPD to lead short practices confidently
• Integrate practices into daily transitions (e.g., post-playtime, start of day)
• Create quiet spaces for reflection and regulation
• Model mindful, attuned, and grounded responses in day-to-day interactions

Family Engagement

Schools & the School & Community team can support families to extend mindfulness into the home through:

• Suggested bedtime yoga or breathing activities
• Recommending free, child-friendly mindfulness resources
• Delivery of Parent/Carer & Child sessions to allow for inclusive and accessible quality time together
• Signposting to local classes or online videos

Preparing CYP for Participation

To support effective engagement:

• Clearly explain the rationale in age-appropriate language
• Use visuals and consistent routines
• Allow choice, autonomy, and flexibility
• Reinforce progress through positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement

National Resources

• Anna Freud Centre - Mental health guidance for schools
• Schools And Colleges Early Support Service | Anna Freud
• YoungMinds - Resources for educators and families
• Our Youth Panel | Volunteer Programme | YoungMinds
• Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) - Evidence-based training and curricula for classroom-based mindfulness
• Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) - Bringing Mindfulness to Schools

Local Resources in Norfolk

• Norfolk SEND Services and the Virtual School offer training and guidance on emotional wellbeing practices
• The Learning and SEND Team | Norfolk Services for Schools
• Virtual school for children in care and previously in care - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers - Norfolk County Council

Contacts

• Speak with your school's Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant.
• Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line at 0333 313 7165.
• Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps.