Yoga & Mindfulness Training ✦ For Neurodivergent Children and Young People
Next intake: 2nd, 3rd, 4th December 2026 at SunFyr Barns in Norfolk
This three-day match funded training has been designed for teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, youth workers, yoga teachers and wellbeing practitioners who want to confidently introduce yoga and mindfulness to neurodivergent children and young people.
Led by Jackie Heffer-Cooke who has a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Global Social Development from the University of East Anglia, her personal understanding of neurodiversity integrates with over fifteen years working in wellbeing, education, yoga, and community development. Reflected in her research of ‘autistic experiences in education,’ this training leads with positive, strength-based framing of autism and neurodiversity, and how it can be better supported in mainstream education and school environments.
In her annual report, Children and Young People's Mental Health Services: 2024-25, Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza warned that increasing numbers face long waits for support. Anxiety was listed as the most common reason, accounting for 16% of all referrals, while cases of suspected autism rose by almost 50% in a single year, to more than 96,000. Other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and Tourette's syndrome, also increased by nearly a quarter.
A Three-Day Professional Training (Key Stages 2–5 | Ages 7–18)
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By participating in this training, you can help reframe the neurodiversity narrative, supporting nervous system regulation and child development through practical teaching skills. Participants will leave with a toolkit of yoga, movement, breathwork and mindfulness practices that can be adapted for schools, therapeutic settings and community groups.
Helping to change the world, one breath at a time.
Training dates ✦ 2026-2027
All Trainings take place at SunFyr Barns in Norfolk.
2nd, 3rd, 4th December 2026
19th, 20th, 21st May 2027
Course content
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Understanding Yoga, Physical Health and how the Neurodivergent Experience can be supported in a Mainstream School Setting.
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How proprioceptive informed movement and vestibular input can become a powerful tool for regulation, decompression and support for both physical and mental health challenges in neurodivergent young people.
Creating safe, accessible yoga practices for different sensory needs.
A practical yoga session that explores these principles in action.
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Practising focused attention and fixed concentration to be present in the moment, increasing endorphins and regulating the nervous system.
A yoga practice integrating mindfulness and movement for spaciousness.
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Practical meditation techniques through breath work to achieve deep relaxation and calm the autonomic nervous system.
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Lesson planning, structure and themes to deliver inclusive and meaningful sessions to neurodivergent young people.
Participants begin integrating theory and practice.
Differentiation for diverse learners.
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How regular yoga practice can support emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-awareness in neurodivergent children and young people.
Integrating breath with movement in sun salutation and asana practice.
Visualisation and meditation techniques.
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Weaving yoga into daily life through: yoga bursts for classrooms and community settings, short movement breaks and breathwork throughout the day.
Mindfulness activities for transitions and emotional regulation.
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Deliver a short practical session and receive supportive feedback to complete the training.
Developing next steps as a practitioner by running sessions for neurodiverse children and young people safely and confidently.
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MATCH-FUNDED training
Freedom Wellbeing CIC is willing to match fund 50-50 for this 3 day course worth £595. This means you only pay £297.50 to become fully equipped with the skills and resources to share yoga & wellbeing with teens.
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Deliver to your community
In exchange, you deliver free classes to local communities of need that wouldn’t otherwise be able to access yoga and wellbeing resources.
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Lead local change
We equip you with practical tools, accessible resources and a clear pathway to confidently deliver inclusive yoga sessions in your own community.
One day CPD Neurodiversity Yoga & Mindfulness training.
Among our other offerings, we also have One day CPD Neurodiversity Yoga & Mindfulness training - available upon the request of schools and organisations.
A friendly, practical day for participants to learn to help teach neurodiverse children regulation tools that feel kind, realistic and effective. This could take place as an inset day in schools or be held at our sister business and venue - SunFyr Barns in Norfolk. Learn autism‑affirming movement, breath and mindfulness tools to support children to improve their concentration, classroom participation, build confidence, and ability to connect with their peers.
Make ◖ change today
If you are interested in joining our Yoga for Neurodivergence training and mentorship programme, please fill out an application form.
We cannot wait to bring yoga and wellbeing to communities that need it most - and change the world for the better, one breath at a time.