Cathedral School Llandaff

Yoga & Pilates

Timetable

Tuesday | Yoga (Reception)

This playful introduction to yoga helps young children explore movement, imagination, and connection. Using simple poses, stories, and games, children develop essential motor skills, balance, and body awareness. Each session supports emotional growth through calming techniques and positive peer interaction. These classes nurture creativity, cooperation, and confidence—providing the building blocks for a healthy, happy start to school life.

Time: 12:35 - 13:10
Location: Memorial Hall
Start Date: Tuesday, 9th September 2025
End Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025

FULLY BOOKED. If sessions are full, please email for availability/waiting list - hello@namasjay.co.uk

Friday | Yoga (Year 1 and 2)

1 & 2 yoga classes support children at a stage where they’re becoming more physically confident and socially aware. Through imaginative themes, playful movement, and simple mindfulness techniques, children build strength, flexibility, and coordination. Yoga helps them develop focus, self-regulation, and emotional resilience—skills that benefit both learning and friendships. Each session encourages curiosity, creativity, and calm, offering a fun and balanced way to grow in body and mind.

Time: 12:35 - 13:10
Location: Memorial Hall
Start Date: Friday, 12th September 2025
End Date: Friday, 12th December 2025

FULLY BOOKED. If sessions are full, please email for availability/waiting list - hello@namasjay.co.uk

Wednesday | Pilates (Years 3 - 6)

Junior Pilates classes are designed to support children’s physical development during key growth years. Through fun, age-appropriate exercises and games, children build core strength, improve posture, and develop full-body coordination. Pilates helps children become more aware of how they move, supporting injury prevention and boosting performance in sports and daily life. These sessions also instil a positive attitude toward fitness and encourage lifelong healthy habits in a playful and supportive environment.

Time: 15:45 - 16:40
Location: Memorial Hall (Classroom)
Collection: Memorial Hall (Side Gate)
Start Date: Wednesday, 10th September 2025
End Date: Wednesday, 10th September 2025

5 spaces left. If sessions are full, please email for availability - hello@namasjay.co.uk

Thursday | Yoga (Years 3 - 6)

Junior Yoga classes offer an energetic and inspiring space for older children to grow stronger, more flexible, and more focused. With a balance of movement, mindfulness, and fun, these sessions help children manage emotions, reduce stress, and build confidence. As they explore more challenging poses and creative sequences, they also develop discipline, resilience, and self-belief—tools that support them both in and out of the classroom. Each class includes games, partner work, and relaxation to keep things engaging and meaningful.

Time: 15:45 - 16:40
Location: Memorial Hall (Classroom)
Collection: Memorial Hall (Side Gate)
Start Date: Thursday, 11th September 2025
End Date: Thursday, 11th September 2025

4 spaces left. If sessions are full, please email for availability - hello@namasjay.co.uk

Why Yoga?

  • Enhanced Coordination & Brain Development

    ⮞ Yoga activities help children develop balance, flexibility, and body awareness, building strong motor skills and confidence.

    ⮞ Recent research shows yoga activates both sides of the brain, improving children’s ability to focus, solve problems, and retain information. This brain-body connection can actually boost academic performance!

    ⮞ Through playful movement, balancing poses, and crossing-the-midline activities, children strengthen their muscles, coordination, and neural pathways—skills that help in sports, handwriting, and learning.

  • Emotional Intelligence, Regulation & Social Skills

    ⮞ Yoga teaches kids to recognize and manage their feelings, leading to better self-control and emotional resilience.

    ⮞ Children who practice yoga are more likely to resolve conflicts peacefully, show empathy, and develop leadership qualities—setting them up for success in relationships and teamwork.

    ⮞ Breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and story-based poses help children slow down, notice their emotions, and express themselves in healthy ways. Sharing circles and partner poses encourage positive peer interaction.

  • Stress Relief, Adaptability & Screen-Time Balance

    ⮞ Yoga gives children tools to relax, reduce anxiety, and manage daily stress.

    ⮞ Yoga is a powerful counterbalance to today’s fast-paced, high-tech world—helping children unplug, recharge, and build resilience against the negative effects of excessive screen time and pressure.

    ⮞ Mindful breathing, gentle stretches, and relaxation games teach kids how to calm their bodies and minds, even in challenging situations. Every class gives children a safe space to decompress.

  • Creativity, Imagination & Growth Mindset

    ⮞ Yoga sparks creativity and encourages children to think outside the box.

    ⮞ Yoga helps children try new things, accept mistakes, and develop a growth mindset. Kids learn that effort and curiosity matter more than perfection—fuelling innovation and adaptability.

    ⮞ Through imaginative storytelling, creative movement, and open-ended challenges (“Can you invent your own pose?”), kids learn to express themselves, experiment, and celebrate progress.

  • Better Sleep & Physical Health

    ⮞ Yoga helps children relax before bedtime, leading to better and more restful sleep.

    ⮞ Children who practice yoga regularly have stronger immune systems, fewer school absences, and greater overall well-being.

    ⮞ Gentle evening yoga sequences, relaxation practices, and calming breathwork prepare kids’ bodies for a good night’s rest—helping them wake up ready to learn.

  • Confidence, Resilience, Mindfulness & Body Autonomy

    ⮞ Yoga helps kids believe in themselves and bounce back from setbacks.

    ⮞ Yoga teaches children to listen to their bodies, set boundaries, and self-advocate. This builds lifelong confidence, self-respect, and the ability to make healthy choices.

    ⮞ Kids are encouraged to try new poses, notice what feels good, and speak up if something doesn’t. Mindfulness activities teach them to stay present and positive, even when things get tough.

Why Pilates?

  • Core Strength & Posture

    ⮞ Pilates builds strong core muscles, supporting better posture and spinal health—key for growing children.

    ⮞ Studies show that strong core muscles help children sit comfortably at desks, prevent back pain, and even improve athletic performance.

    ⮞ With fun, low-impact exercises and playful props, Pilates teaches children how to activate their abdominal and back muscles, leading to better posture both in and out of the classroom.

  • Focus, Body Awareness & Mind-Body Connection

    ⮞ Pilates enhances concentration and helps kids become more aware of how their bodies move.

    ⮞ Children who regularly practice Pilates often develop sharper focus and body awareness, which can translate into better learning and sports skills.

    ⮞ Each Pilates session guides children to move with control and attention, coordinating breath with movement, which trains both body and mind.

  • Flexibility & Injury Prevention

    ⮞ Pilates safely increases flexibility, supporting growing muscles and joints.

    ⮞ Flexible kids are less likely to experience muscle strains, growth pains, and injuries, both in sports and everyday play.

    ⮞ Gentle stretching and controlled exercises lengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and teach kids to listen to their bodies—reducing the risk of injury.

  • Confidence & Self-Esteem

    ⮞ Pilates builds confidence as kids see and feel their own progress.

    ⮞ Children who practice Pilates often stand taller, feel stronger, and show more willingness to try new challenges—both in the studio and in life.

    ⮞ Positive reinforcement, gradual skill building, and celebrating milestones help children recognize their strengths and build a lasting sense of self-worth.

  • Calm, Stress Relief & Emotional Regulation

    ⮞ Pilates helps children relax, manage stress, and regulate their emotions.

    ⮞ Breathing techniques and mindful movement in Pilates have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a calm, focused mindset.

    ⮞ Every class ends with relaxation and guided breathing, teaching kids practical tools for emotional balance and self-soothing.

  • Coordination, Balance & Motor Skill Development

    ⮞ Pilates supports the development of coordination and balance, which are essential for school and sports.

    ⮞ Improved balance and coordination are linked to better handwriting, reading, and physical confidence.

    ⮞ Challenging but accessible exercises encourage kids to use both sides of their body, cross the midline, and move with control.

Kind Words.

 

“I would highly recommend NamastJay, Sam has learnt so much from the classes. It’s great that they do team work as well as individual poses, and I love that we can now do yoga at home together!” - Zoe

“During Year 6 my daughter and her friends really enjoyed Jay's Yoga sessions. It is a lovely way to unwind at the end of a busy school day.” - Tina

“Our son attends your Yoga classes in the Cathedral School, Llandaff. He had great fun and fantastic experience, and he was looking forward to the classes!” - Year 8 Pupil

"I really enjoyed yoga, as it helped me to feel calm and relaxed after a long day at school. It definitely helped me to de-stress, and boosted my sleep levels. Thank you for teaching me the benefits of yoga!" - Year 6 Pupil

“It’s brilliant, all the teachers are really good fun. I get to work with people I don’t normally play with in school and made new friends. I like the games that we play. I love practicing the poses at home that I learnt in class. I really loved the relaxation at the start and the end of the lesson, it was really calming” - Year 6 Pupil

“ My 11 year old son wasn’t sure initially about taking up yoga but after only one session with Jay he was hooked, fell in love with the class, yoga and thinks the world of his yoga teacher! Thank you Jay!” - Ruth



“Yoga is amazing! It relaxes me a lot, helps if I have had a hard day. It’s challenging and fun and Jay is a great teacher!” - Year 7 Pupil

“Our son thoroughly enjoyed yoga lessons with you, he was very enthusiastic about the lessons and it was great relaxation for him. I would definitely recommend!” - Louise

“Following Jay's success with our Senior pupils, we were delighted when Jay shared our interest in bringing yoga into the Primary. Jay has worked with our pupils from Years 4 to 6; all of whom thoroughly enjoy their weekly sessions. Jay creates a fantastically calm atmosphere and really brings the best out of the pupils. The sessions look to develop mindfulness and wellbeing, achieving this through engaging activities that are accessible for all pupils. Asking Jay to come and work with out Primary pupils has been a huge success and I cannot thank him enough for what he has accomplished in such a short space of time. Jay loves what he does and this comes through in each and every session.” - Mr Morgan, Assistant Head (Key Stage 2)