Special Yoga for Special Children 7-Day In-Person
Foundation + Level 1 Combined
6 – 12 June 2026
Bournemouth, UK
Yoga Alliance UK Accredited • Led by Jyoti Manuel
Learn how to support children and young people with special needs in their everyday life through yoga.
Special Yoga’s 7-Day In-Person Training is an immersive, heart-centred experience combining both Foundation and Level 1 Practitioner training in one comprehensive week. Rooted in decades of lived experience, this training introduces the internationally recognised Special Yoga methodology: a powerful, adaptable approach using breath, movement, sound, rhythm, touch, and mindfulness to support regulation, connection, and wellbeing.
This training is Yoga Alliance Pro accredited, providing professional recognition and a strong foundation for further study or integration into your existing work.
This is the first time since 2019 that this course has run in the UK. Spaces are limited. Don’t miss the opportunity to sit with Jyoti and experience this transformational in-person intensive training.
Who This Training Is For
This training welcomes a wide range of participants, including:
Parents and carers
Teachers and SEND professionals
Therapists and healthcare practitioners
Yoga teachers and yoga students
Anyone passionate about supporting children with additional needs
No teaching qualification or yoga background is required.
Contents of the 7-day course
Physical exercises (asana) for children with special needs (e.g. with ADHD/ADD, autism spectrum disorders, down-syndrome, cerebral palsy, respiratory diseases, Physical limitations, sensory integration disorder, High sensitivity and anxiety, etc).
Breathing exercises (pranayama), mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, sound music and mantra.
Massage and energy work.
Planning, implementation and reflection of yoga sessions.
Adaptation of the yoga sessions to different target ages and conditions (e.g. babies, infants, children and adolescents).
In the afternoons, there will be a live yoga class with children with special needs take place on site.
Comprehensive manual and 3 months access to a Resource database with over 150 how-to and sample videos.
All these practices can be applied in any setting, be it at home, at school, in community facilities or in the healthcare sector.
After completing the training, participants have 3 months to complete an assignment (a short video and written reflection) to receive a certificate of participation, from which they can get insurance to practice.
Dates, Times & Location:
Dates: Saturday 6th – Friday 12th June 2026
Times: 9am – 6pm each day
Location: Hengistbury Head Outdoors
Hengistbury Head, Broadway
Bournemouth, BH6 4EW, UK
With scenic views from the training space, the venue offers a calm and inspiring environment to fully embody your learning each day.
Travel:
By Car: Hengistbury Head Outdoors is easy to reach by car, with free on-site parking.
By Train: Christchurch is the nearest train station, with regular services from Bournemouth, Southampton, and London. From the station, it’s a c45 minute walk, or a short bus or taxi ride to the venue.
By bus: Regular local buses (Yellow Buses route 33) run from Bournemouth and Christchurch to Southbourne/Broadway. From there, enjoy a 15–20 minute flat walk through the nature reserve to Hengistbury Head.
On Foot: From Southbourne, Hengistbury Head is only a 15–20 minute walk along a scenic, flat path through the nature reserve to the venue.
Where to Stay:
The nearest areas for accommodation, with Airbnb and guesthouse options, Hengistbury Head, Wick and Southbourne.
Nearby towns Christchurch and Bournemouth offer a wide range of stays, including budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.
Investment
Full Price: £1,200
Early Bird Price: £1,000
Payment plan options:
4 months x £260 (Early Bird until 4th March)
3 months x £425 (Full Price)
If you have already completed your Foundation course with Special Yoga, contact us at info@specialyoga.co.uk for a reduced price
Jyoti Manuel
Lead Course Trainer | YAP Accredited Senior Teacher
Due to her extensive knowledge and many years of experience, Jyoti Jo Manuel is recognised by many as one of the world's leading authorities on therapeutic yoga for children. Her personal yoga journey started in 1974 and she started teaching in 1989.
In 2002, Jyoti founded Special Yoga, a worldwide organization that promotes sustainable and accessible yoga programs for children with special and additional needs. The work of Special Yoga extends to the field of education, to therapeutic facilities and on the domestic sphere. Jyoti has travelled globally to create Special Yoga programs in orphanages, social care, educational and health care as well as for child therapists and psychologists.
As the founder of Special Yoga, she has trained experienced practitioners to effective and impactful implementation of Special Yoga for parents and in academies and individual special schools, and special institutions provide training in therapeutic yoga for children with special needs.
Benefits of taking this training:
Course Certificate accredited by Yoga Alliance UK.
Ability to gain insurance to practice, when graduated.
Three months access to course content online after the training.
The opportunity to join our Special Yoga Practitioner List.
On-going access to our free monthly Senior Practitioner Webinars, led by Jyoti for sharing and support.
Invitation to join our Level Two training in November.
What Others Have Experienced
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"My first course with Special Yoga feels like the start of an amazing journey, the methodology is so well thought through and communicated. The principle of working on yourself first and foremost is so crucial and I was so impressed by … watching the tutors work with a child, getting to practise on each other … I'm so glad I found Special Yoga!"
Debbie
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"This course has made a real difference to many aspects of my life. It has changed my general teaching practice in a special school, it has changed my relationship with my son and it has changed my relationship with myself. This course really can be life-changing if you are open to it!"
Jenny
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"This has developed my practice 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. I am so grateful, and I know my students are."
Andrew
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. This training is open to everyone. The practices are taught accessibly and experientially, making it suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced yoga practitioners.
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Absolutely. Many parents find this training life-changing, both in how they support their children and how they care for themselves. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
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The practices are applicable for children and young people of all ages, including adolescents. The principles can also be adapted for adults.
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This training provides Foundation and Level 1 practitioner certification, from which you can gain insurance on successful completion of the course. This course is accredited by Yoga Alliance Pros.
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Special Yoga supports children with a wide range of additional needs, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, anxiety, and emotional regulation challenges.
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Yes. This is a fully immersive training and full attendance is required to receive certification.
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Once you book onto the training, you will receive welcome information with more details on what to bring, and the venue. In general, bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, a blanket, and an open heart.
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Yes. You will have 3 months access to online materials after the course and a WhatsApp group for peer connection.
As a Level One graduate, you will also be invited to join our free monthly Senior Practitioner webinars, led by Jyoti.
Ready to Join Us?
Step into a week of deep learning, connection, and embodied practice.
Spaces are limited.
Contact us with any questions or to discuss payment options