Everything you need to know about the new Kids Yoga After School Club at Sandgate Primary School
- 19 hours ago
- 10 min read
A welcoming space to move, breathe, play and reset after the school day.
After a full day at school, children have already done a lot! They have concentrated, learned, listened, talked, played, shared, navigated friendships and followed instructions. By the end of the day, they may be full of energy, tired, overwhelmed, hungry or a mixture of all these and more!
Sometimes children need to run around. Sometimes they need to slow down. Often, they need both. That is where the Kids Yoga After School Club at Sandgate Primary School comes in.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including why yoga can be valuable for children (especially the little ones), what happens in the class, who teaches it, what your child needs to bring and how the after-school transition and collection arrangements work.
What is the Kids Yoga After School Club at Sandgate Primary School?
The club is a wellbeing-focused after-school activity for pupils in Key Stage 1 (Foundation class, years 1 or 2) at Sandgate Primary School.
It is a chance for the children to move, play, breathe, explore yoga and spend time away from the demands of the classroom. This is not about competition, performance or becoming the most flexible child in the group. Children do not need to be sporty, bendy or experienced! They simply need to be willing to have a go. The sessions are designed to be playful, accessible and supportive, with a mixture of movement, yoga, games, mindfulness, breathing, imagination and relaxation.
Why is yoga important for children?
Yoga gives children tools that can support both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Physical benefits
Yoga can help children develop:
balance
coordination
strength
body awareness
spatial awareness
confidence in movement
In the classes, children are encouraged to explore what their bodies can do without comparing themselves with anyone else.
Emotional wellbeing
Children experience lots of feelings during and outside of the school day. Yoga can introduce simple, practical ways to notice and respond to those feelings.
Through breathing, movement and relaxation, children may begin to explore:
how their bodies feel
what happens when they are excited, frustrated or worried
how to pause before reacting
how movement can change their energy
how rest and stillness can feel
how to recognise when they need a quieter moment
These are small skills, but they can become useful tools for everyday life.
Focus and self-awareness
Yoga encourages children to pay attention to their bodies, their breathing and what is happening in the moment.
A balance pose might invite concentration. A breathing exercise might help them slow down. A relaxation activity might give them the chance to rest after a busy day. The aim is not for children to sit perfectly still or behave in a particular way. It is about gently introducing different ways to focus, reset and feel more connected to themselves.
Confidence and independence
Children are encouraged to try things at their own pace. They can have a go, make mistakes, try again, adapt an activity or take a quieter option. There is no expectation that everyone will do exactly the same thing.
This helps children build confidence in their own choices and develop a positive relationship with movement.
Who teaches the class?
These sessions are taught by me, Sara, founder of cheekymono. I am a qualified children’s yoga teacher with experience creating playful, inclusive yoga sessions for children and families. My teaching is informed by children’s yoga training, safeguarding practice and a child-centred approach that prioritises safety, wellbeing, confidence and enjoyment.
I believe children’s yoga should feel welcoming and joyful and it should give children space to be themselves, explore movement and learn practical tools they can use both on and off the mat.
I do not expect children to be perfectly still, perfectly quiet, perfectly balanced or perfectly flexible. The sessions are structured, but they are also responsive to the needs and energy of the group.
Is the club suitable for my child?
Yes! The club is open to children across Key Stage 1. No previous yoga experience is needed, and activities are adapted for different abilities, confidence levels and energy levels.
Children do not need to be naturally sporty or flexible. They also do not need to understand yoga before they arrive or carry any kit or props with them, more on that below.
What happens in a typical class?
Each session will be slightly different, but classes usually include a mixture of the following:
a welcome and settling-in activity
playful yoga poses
movement sequences
balance and coordination activities
yoga games
stories and imagination
breathing exercises
mindfulness activities
partner or group activities
relaxation and rest
Some sessions may be more energetic, while others may feel calmer. Usually, there will be a mixture of both. We may begin with movement and games to help children release some of the energy they have built up during the school day. We will then gradually bring the energy down through breathing, mindfulness or relaxation before the children go home.
The class is not a formal fitness session. It is a playful, child-friendly introduction to yoga and wellbeing.
What does the transition from school to yoga look like?
The club takes place straight after the school day at Sandgate Primary School.
Children will be brought from their class to the yoga session inside the Lions Classroom by a member of school staff. This means there's no need for a parent or guardian to arrive at the end of the school day to get them into class, and they will remain inside the school building supervised at all times.
The transition is designed to be calm and straightforward. Children may arrive feeling excited, tired, hungry or ready to let off steam. That is completely normal. I will always have a free-of-charge healthy snack (fruit or vegetable) and water available if they need it.
The beginning of the session gives them time to settle, understand what is happening and move from classroom mode into after-school activity mode. They do not need to wear any special clothing for the class, normal uniform is fine but if they are wearing a skirt or dress I advise wearing modesty shorts or bringing them to slip on as some postures will involve open legs, rolling and going upside down!
If your child has any particular transition needs, worries or relevant information that would help them feel comfortable, please share this when booking or contact me before their first session, I'm happy to help.
What happens at pick-up?
At the end of the session, children will be collected at 4.10pm from the main school reception at Sandgate Primary School. Please make sure the person collecting your child is authorised and that any change in collection arrangements are provided in advance.
If someone different is collecting your child, please follow the school and club procedures for notifying us. Children will only be released according to the agreed collection information. Please arrive promptly and allow a few minutes at the end of the session so that collection can happen safely and calmly for all children.
What should my child wear?
Your child should wear normal school uniform, they won't need to get changed for class so if its' their day for PE then they'll be in their kit or othewise they'll be in uniform. The only side note is that if they are wearing a skirt or dress I advise wearing modesty shorts or bringing them to slip on as some postures will involve open legs, rolling and going upside down!
Yoga is usually practised in bare feet, so children can move safely wihtout slipping and feel grounded. So they'll be asked to remove their shoes and socks. If your child prefers to keep socks on, it might be helpful to send them with socks that have grips if possible.
What does my child need to bring?
Children will generally need:
a water bottle
any essential medication or medical information already agreed with the school and this club
Yoga mats, props and equipment are provided so there's no need for your little one to carry more stuff!
Will my child have time to eat?
After-school clubs can be a long time for children, particularly after a full school day. So I'll always make sure that I have a healthy fruit and veg bowl available for kids that need a little energy boost post school.
If your child has allergies, dietary requirements or medical needs, please include this information during booking and contact me before the first session if there is anything important I need to know.
Does my child need to be flexible or experienced?
No! Yoga is not about touching your toes or making your body look a certain way. Children will be encouraged to explore movement in a way that feels comfortable for them. There may be different options for activities, and children can rest or adapt a pose when needed.
The most important things are curiosity, kindness and a willingness to take part.
Is the class competitive?
No! There are games and group activities, but the club is not competitive.
Children are not judged on how well they perform a pose, how flexible they are or whether they can balance for a particular length of time. The focus is on participation, exploration and enjoyment. Children may work with partners or as part of a group, but they will also have opportunities to practise independently.
How does independent practice work?
Unlike Little Yogis, this after-school club is designed for children to take part independently, without a parent or carer on the mat or in the room. This gives children the opportunity to:
make their own choices
try activities at their own pace
build confidence
practise listening to their bodies
learn how to join in without needing an adult beside them
experience being part of a group outside the classroom
Children will still receive clear guidance and support throughout the session.
They can try a pose, have another go, laugh when something goes wrong, help a friend, take a quieter moment or join in when they feel ready.
What if my child is shy, nervous or unsure?
It is completely normal for children to feel unsure when trying a new activity.
There is no pressure to perform or be the centre of attention. Children can watch, join in gradually and take time to become familiar with the group and the routines.
I aim to create a warm, encouraging environment where children feel safe to participate in their own way. If your child has particular worries, sensory needs, communication preferences or additional support needs, please share this information before the first session so I can plan appropriately.
What if my child has additional needs or a medical condition?
Please provide full and accurate information when booking, including any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, additional needs or support requirements. This should be done through our intake form, found here.
Yoga activities can often be adapted, but I need to know what your child may need before they attend. If your child has a medical condition or injury that may affect their participation, please seek appropriate medical advice and let me know about any recommendations or restrictions. Children should not attend if they are unwell or unable to participate safely.
What are the class expectations?
The club is designed to be fun, but clear boundaries help everyone feel safe.
Children will be encouraged to:
listen to instructions
treat others kindly
respect their and others personal space
use equipment safely
ask for help when they need it
take care of the room
join in at their own pace
Yoga is not about being silent or still all the time. Children can laugh and enjoy themselves. The aim is to create a balance between playful energy and respectful participation.
Why choose an after-school yoga club?
After-school activities often focus on learning a skill, improving performance or achieving a result. Yoga offers something different.
Yoga gives children time to move because movement feels good. It gives them space to play without competition, breathe without pressure and rest without needing to achieve anything.
After a busy school day, that can be valuable. The club is one small part of a child’s week where they can:
release energy
reconnect with their bodies
practise calming techniques
build confidence
spend time with other children
enjoy movement
experience rest and relaxation
Where and when do classes take place?
The KS1 Kids Yoga After School Club takes place at Sandgate Primary School
The current term dates, session time, availability and booking information can be found on the service page:
Please check the booking page for the most up-to-date information before registering.
How do I book?
Bookings are made through the website for the current term. If you wish to join a term part-way through this is possible but please contact me so that I can calculate the updated price for remaining sessions.
You'll be asked to complete an intake form as part of the booking process, please complete all requested information carefully. Places may be limited, so early booking is recommended, terms go on sale during the previous term, to be first to knoe when bookings are open, please join my mailing list.
What happens if my child misses a session?
I completely understand that children sometimes get poorly or plans change. Please have a look at the current booking terms and FAQs for full information about absences, cancellations, refunds and missed sessions.
If your child is unwell, please keep them at home and let me know where appropriate, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the class feeling happy and well. As term places are booked and paid for in advance, missed sessions unfortunately can't be refunded or carried over. If you know that you can no longer attend several of the remaining sessions, please get in touch as soon as you can and I'll do my best to help where possible.
If I ever need to cancel a session, I'll always try to offer an alternative session. If that isn't possible, a refund for the cancelled session may be offered.
Ready to give it a try?
The Kids Yoga After School Club is open to children across Key Stage 1 at Sandgate Primary School. No previous yoga experience is needed.
Your child simply needs comfortable clothes, a water bottle, a willingness to have a go and an hour to move, play, breathe and reset after school.
A little less pressure.
A little more play.
And some time just for them.
Looking forward to seeing your child on the mat!
Sara x
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