Why Kids Yoga Is Perfect for Sports Days – A Win for You, Schools & Children

If you’re a kids yoga teacher and you’ve ever thought about offering your classes as part of a school’s PE provision – especially around sports days or activity weeks – then you’re in the right place.

In this blog (the first in a four-part series), I’ll share why this can be such a powerful opportunity – for children, schools, and you as a teacher and business owner.

Why Now is a Brilliant Time to Offer Yoga in Schools
Let’s talk timing.

In the UK, June and July are buzzing with activity in schools – and that includes all things PE. Why? Because of events like:

• Youth Sport Trust National Sports Week (16th–22nd June)
• International Day of Yoga (21st June)
• Olympic Day (23rd June)

Many schools use this time of year for sports days, activity weeks, and enrichment experiences. The weather is often better (fingers crossed!), assessments are winding down, and schools are keen to offer something fresh and inclusive.
I often get booked for one-off events in schools I don’t usually work with – on top of the schools I support all year round. It’s a great time to reach out to new schools who might be looking for exactly what you offer.

Top Tip: I’ve created a Special Dates Marketing Plan to help you know when and how to tie your offerings into key events in the school year. 

But… Isn’t Yoga More PSHE than PE?
A lot of people think yoga is better suited to PSHE. While it does fit nicely into this subject, I passionately believe yoga is also an ideal complement to physical education.

Here’s why it can be great to offer yoga as part of a sports day or activity week within the school curriculum time:
The Benefits for Children
When we go into schools, we’re reaching children who may never otherwise get the chance to experience yoga or mindful movement.
In after-school clubs or community classes, we often attract the same types of families. But a school-based class means every child gets to try it – regardless of background, beliefs, or ability to pay.

As a yoga teacher, you will already know how yoga supports:

• Balance, strength, flexibility and mobility
• Relaxation and emotional regulation
• Body awareness and self-connection
  
  

It’s this connection to the body and self that often sets yoga apart from other physical activities. It complements sports beautifully – not replaces them – by bringing in the how we feel element alongside what we do.

The Benefits for Schools
Schools love to show families and communities that they offer a rich and varied curriculum. Yoga ticks that box – it's something parents often find reassuring and impressive.
Plus, yoga can engage children who might not enjoy competition or traditional sports. It helps them feel part of PE in a meaningful way.
And, of course, yoga classes can be adapted for all children – including those with additional needs or physical differences. This makes it a more inclusive option during busy school activity weeks.
Yoga naturally links physical, mental, and emotional well-being – something schools are under increasing pressure to prioritise.

The Benefits for You and Your Business
Let’s not forget you!

Bringing yoga into schools:

• Helps you connect with your community – building relationships with school staff, parents, and local networks
• Grows your visibility – think children, parents, teachers, support staff, PTAs, governors… a whole mini world of potential
• Is often profitable – schools are happy to pay for a high-quality workshop or enrichment session, especially during Sports Week or activity days

It’s a fantastic way to plant seeds for future work too – whether that’s ongoing contracts, after-school clubs, or word-of-mouth growth.

Ready to Give It a Go?
I’ve created a free Key Stage 1 Sports Day Yoga Lesson Plan to help you get started with planning a simple, engaging session. You can download it, along with the Special Dates Marketing Plan, using the links provided.
In the next few blogs, I’ll be sharing:

• What you can actually teach during these sessions
• How to organise the day so it runs smoothly
• Top tips for successful school yoga events

If you have questions, I’d love to hear from you. Or if you'd like tailored support planning your school offering, get in touch or book a meeting and we’ll explore what might work for you.

Is this the first time 'meeting' me?

Hello – I’m Julia!
I’m Julia Hankins – a children’s well-being consultant, kids yoga teacher, and founder of Well-Being Adventurers. I spend most of my time delivering training and workshops in schools, and I also support other kids yoga teachers to do the same and thrive in their work.

Why not join our community of yoga teachers who teach in schools.