What documents do I need to teach kids yoga in schools?

                                             Prefer a video? 📽️ Watch here

When I first started teaching yoga, I was intimidated to deliver kids yoga in schools, because I was worried that I didn’t have the right documents in place. I loved the idea of teaching yoga to children, but I felt unprepared and overwhelmed with what ‘legal bits’ I needed (what did I even need anyway?).
 
Unprepared…
My kids yoga training gave me loads of ideas and I couldn’t wait to use all of the exciting props that I had bought. But when it came to ACTUALLY teaching the classes, I found myself stalling. It wasn’t because of the teaching (I had been a school teacher for years- I knew I could do this). It was the paperwork! What did I need? Where could I get it from? How did I know that I had everything?

It took me a really long time to get all my stuff together!

I researched lots and also learnt the hard way -by a setting or school asking for something and having to suddenly create it!
Now, after teaching in yoga in many schools (and nurseries and community groups), I’d like to share with you what I’ve discovered.
 
Every School is Different!
I’ve taught in state schools and private schools, nurseries, primary schools, infant and junior schools and secondary schools and there has been a real range in what documents they have asked for.
There doesn’t seem to be (in my experience) a magical master list that schools have.
BUT…
There are some things that you will definitely ensure that you have in place whether you are asked for it or not! For me, the following documents are vital:
 
My Top 5!

• Yoga teaching certificate
• Insurance certificate
• Enhanced DBS (it’s best to sign up to the update service)
• Risk assessment
• First aid certificate

Not all schools have asked to see all of these, but I believe that they are necessary.
 
What else?
Is that everything? Is that all you need?
Not really! Over the years I’ve been asked for a variety of different policies and I have also discovered a few other documents to be helpful to me.
I have compiled a list of all of the documents I have needed over this time, if you would like this super helpful document, you can download it here.
If you want to save time, check out the editable document bundle that’s available to buy.
 
The Fabulous folder!
When you have your documents gathered and printed, I HIGHLY recommend getting a folder to keep it all in. As a self-confessed stationary addict, it’s not really surprising that I’d recommend this, but my folder really does save my sanity.
I keep everything safe in my folder and carry it everywhere I go, guarding it with my life!
It’s a good idea to have all of these documents backed up in a folder on your computer- just in case.
 
One last note…
As always, I am sharing here, my own experience of working in various settings in the UK, this may not be the case for other countries.
If working with a new school or setting, I would also recommend checking with them if there are any documents or policies that you will need, prior to arrival, for example, schools usually ask for some form of ID- easily forgotten!
 
Do you want to feel super organised and ready to go? Get your checklist here.
 
Is there anything that you would like me to talk about in a blog or video?
Would you like me to help you get your documents together?
📧 Email me here

x Julia