Teaching Yoga to Children and Child Protection
by Michelle Cheesbrough – BWY Children’s Module Tutor

Child protection can be an emotive subject which many people understandably feel uncomfortable with.

When I trained to teach yoga to children the BWY did not have its own policy in place and we used guidelines from an organisation in Ireland called ‘Our Duty to Care’. Although the organisation was professional and all aspects of abuse were bought to our attention, it still left grey areas of confusion about how child protection should be implemented, and who would deal with the issues.

At that time I did not feel very clear or secure in relation to this subject. I was new to teaching children and felt I needed more clarity around child protection - its ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ in teaching yoga. As a nurse I was used to having professional boundaries and policies from which to work, so I was pleased when Angie Punaks was appointed as BWY’s Lead Child Protection Officer to develop The Wheel’s policy.

We are now fortunate to have in place a professional policy which has taken 3 years to refine and develop. Individual teachers can get support and advice, and the policy has been fully endorsed by the NSPCC.

My initial reaction to the new policy was that it seemed extremely bureaucratic and overwhelming. The forms that needed to be signed for making adjustments and taking photos seemed time-consuming. However, I noticed that the reaction from parents was favourable - it seemed to give them reassurance that these aspects of yoga were taken seriously and dealt with professionally. I felt good knowing I had the parents’ trust. It was also very clear for children and parents why occasionally adjustments in postures might be necessary. The parents felt reassured that any photos or video could only be used for the reason specified on the signed form. In short, it enhanced my professionalism.

Having the policy in place has actually helped me to relax and enjoy teaching yoga to children. I can focus on my main purpose without any uncertainty that my decisions or actions might have negative implications with regard to child protection, or rebound on me.

As the policy gives guidelines on good teaching practice, it has also added a useful element to my teaching on the children’s module. I give student teachers the opportunity to discuss possible scenarios that could present difficulties. Once you have understood the policy and learnt the procedures you become confident and clear about the manner in which you teach, and where boundaries are.

Not only do we have a moral obligation in protecting children, but we are also legally accountable for providing adequate and appropriate care. If we fail to do this, it could lead to legal repercussions. For this reason, having a professional policy in place acts as protection for me, the teacher, as much as for the children.

Although all this could sound intimidating, on the children’s module I remind people not to let child protection issues get in the way of their enjoyment of teaching yoga to children.

Our growing awareness of the existence of such possible problems also provides us with a unique opportunity to be of service. If a child has been abused and finds their way to your class, then yoga can be a wonderful healing opportunity where the body can be discovered in an entirely safe way, one which nurtures love and respect.

Michelle runs the BWY Teaching Yoga to Children (TYTC) module throughout the year. This article was published in Autumn Spectrum 2007.

For queries on Child Protection, contact Angie Punaks - BWY Ethics, Equity & Welfare Manager
Tel: 01394 446054 email: