Teacher Training Policies

1. Educational Philosophy & Training Ethos

A Fine Balance Yoga Teacher Training combines modern movement education, intelligent sequencing and embodied yoga practice within a supportive, reflective and professionally held learning environment.

The programme is designed to develop thoughtful, adaptable and inclusive teachers who can confidently create safe, welcoming and accessible classes for a wide range of students.

The AFB 6 Pillars of Teaching form the foundation of the training and all assessment criteria:

• Pace

• Structure

• Cues

• Options

• Observe

• Experience

These pillars underpin the AFB methodology, sequencing framework, observation process, mentoring structure, practical assessments and teaching standards.

The training combines:

• Asana practice

• Pranayama and meditation

• Anatomy and biomechanics

• Sequencing methodology

• Yoga philosophy and humanities

• Teaching labs and practicum

• Observation and mentorship

• Reflective practice and journalling

• Accessibility and inclusive teaching

• Professional development and business guidance

The programme is designed not only to develop teaching competency, but also to support thoughtful, ethical and inclusive leadership within modern yoga spaces.

2. Fees, Payments, Cancellations & Withdrawals

Investment

Early Bird

£3,000
Paid in full by 30th June 2026

Standard

£3,400

Choose either:

• £3,400 paid in full, or

• £500 non-refundable deposit to secure your place, followed by 10 monthly payments of £290

Your place is confirmed upon receipt of payment and a completed registration form.

Please note that all training fees are non-refundable. Full details can be found in the Fees, Payments, Cancellations & Withdrawals Policy below.

Cancellation Before the Training Begins

8 weeks+ notice

If you choose to withdraw more than 8 weeks before the training start date, all payments made remain non-refundable. However, training fees paid beyond the deposit may be transferred to a future A Fine Balance Teacher Training programme within 18 months, subject to availability and approval by A Fine Balance.

Less than 8 weeks notice

If you withdraw within 8 weeks of the start date, all payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable. You are still required to pay all outstanding payments if on a pay-monthly agreement. Payment plans remain payable in full.

Once the Training Has Started

Once the programme has commenced:

• No refunds, credits or transfers are available.

• Payment plans remain payable in full.

• Missed weekends, modules or training days are not refunded.

In exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness, injury or bereavement, A Fine Balance may, at its sole discretion, consider a deferral to a future cohort. Deferrals are not guaranteed and may be subject to additional fees, updated coursework or reassessment requirements.

Cancellation by A Fine Balance

In the unlikely event that A Fine Balance cancels a programme before commencement, trainees will be offered either:

• A full refund

• Transfer to a future cohort

• Training credit

A Fine Balance is not responsible for any associated costs including travel, accommodation, loss of earnings or third-party bookings.

3. Attendance, Missed Training & Graduation Requirements

Attendance at all training weekends, lectures, teaching practice sessions, assessments and required coursework is expected.

Please ensure you can fully commit to all training dates before enrolling.

All required training hours must be completed before certification can be awarded.

Missed Training

If any training is missed, the missed content must be completed before graduation.

Missed training is not included within the original training fee and must be completed at the trainee's expense. The current private tuition rate for Hannah Horne is £70 per hour. Guest faculty rates may vary.

Depending on the content missed, requirements may include:

• Private tuition

• Mentoring sessions

• Additional coursework

• Supervised observation

• Additional teaching practice

• Reassessment

• Repeat attendance at training weekends or modules

The current private tuition rate for Hannah Horne is £70 per hour. Guest faculty rates may vary.

Where a substantial part of the training is missed, trainees may be required to attend the equivalent module within a future cohort before certification can be awarded.

All outstanding requirements should normally be completed within 12 months of the original training completion date.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate and receive certification, trainees must successfully:

• Complete all required training hours

• Complete the online anatomy and physiology programme

• Complete all coursework, assignments and self-study requirements

• Complete all observation requirements

• Submit all required journals and reflections

• Pass all required assessments and examinations

• Successfully complete the final practical teaching assessment

• Demonstrate professional conduct throughout the programme

Completion of training hours alone does not guarantee certification.

Certification is awarded only when all educational, practical and professional standards have been met to the satisfaction of A Fine Balance Teacher Training.

4. Assessment, Competency & Certification

Assessment is integrated throughout the training and may include:

• Practical teaching assessments

• Sequencing assignments

• Observation reports

• Reflective journalling

• Philosophy assessment

• Anatomy coursework and assessment

• Peer teaching

• Teaching practicums

• Tutor observation and feedback

Assessment criteria are aligned to the AFB 6 Pillars of Teaching.

Where a trainee is assessed as Not Yet Competent:

• Additional support may be provided

• Development areas will be identified

• Reassessment may be required

• Certification may be deferred until competency is demonstrated

Additional reassessment fees may apply.

A Fine Balance reserves the right not to certify trainees who do not demonstrate safe, ethical and competent teaching ability.

5. Professional Standards, Ethics & Code of Conduct

All trainees agree to:

• Behave respectfully toward fellow trainees, faculty and guests

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Communicate honestly and appropriately

• Participate actively in learning and feedback

• Respect confidentiality

• Uphold consent-based teaching principles

• Teach within scope of practice

• Represent qualifications honestly

• Contribute positively to the learning environment

The following behaviours are not acceptable:

• Harassment or discrimination

• Bullying or intimidation

• Abusive communication

• Deliberately disruptive behaviour

• Unsafe teaching behaviour

• Breach of professional boundaries

• Coercion or manipulation

• Dishonest representation of qualifications

Repeated or serious breaches may result in:

• Formal review

• Suspension

• Removal from the programme without refund

Professionalism forms part of ongoing assessment throughout the programme.

6. Health, Safety, Scope of Practice & Consent

Trainees are responsible for informing trainers of any injuries, medical conditions, pregnancy, accessibility requirements or changes in health that may affect participation.

Yoga teachers are not qualified to:

• Diagnose medical conditions

• Prescribe treatment

• Provide psychological therapy

• Replace licensed healthcare professionals

• Guarantee medical or therapeutic outcomes

Teachers are expected to:

• Recognise contraindications

• Refer appropriately where required

• Teach within their qualifications and experience

• Maintain professional boundaries

Physical Assists & Consent

A Fine Balance follows a consent-based teaching approach.

Physical assists are always:

• Optional

• Respectful

• Clearly communicated

• Never assumed

Trainees are expected to prioritise communication, observation and student autonomy at all times.

7. Inclusion, Accessibility & Respect for Yoga's Roots

A Fine Balance is committed to creating accessible, inclusive and welcoming learning environments.

We are committed to:

• Accessibility and inclusion

• Consent-based teaching

• Anti-discrimination practices

• Respect for diversity and lived experience

• Honouring yoga's South Asian roots

• Ongoing education around equity and representation

Reasonable adjustments may be provided where appropriate and practicable.

Discrimination, harassment or exclusionary behaviour will not be tolerated.

8. Student Welfare & Safeguarding

A Fine Balance aims to provide a supportive and professionally held learning environment.

Trainees receive:

• Ongoing feedback

• Mentorship and guidance

• Reflective discussion opportunities

• Educational support where appropriate

The programme is educational in nature and does not constitute counselling, psychotherapy or medical treatment.

Any safeguarding concerns involving risk of harm to self or others may require appropriate action to be taken.

9. Intellectual Property, Photography & Confidentiality

All manuals, frameworks, sequencing systems, worksheets and educational materials remain the intellectual property of A Fine Balance unless otherwise stated.

Materials are provided for personal educational use only and may not be:

• Copied

• Distributed

• Uploaded publicly

• Commercially taught

• Shared externally

without prior written permission.

Trainees are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow trainees and any personal information shared during training.

Training sessions may occasionally include photography or recording for educational purposes.

10. Insurance, Complaints & Legal Matters

Graduates are responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance before independently teaching public classes.

Certification does not guarantee employment or teaching opportunities.

Complaints Procedure

Concerns should first be discussed informally with the Lead Trainer where appropriate.

Where concerns remain unresolved, a formal written complaint may be submitted for review.

A Fine Balance aims to resolve concerns fairly, professionally and respectfully.

Extraordinary Circumstances

Where circumstances beyond reasonable control affect delivery of the programme, including severe weather, illness, venue issues or government restrictions, A Fine Balance reserves the right to:

• Reschedule training

• Modify delivery methods

• Transfer training dates

• Offer appropriate alternatives where reasonably possible

Liability is limited to the value of training fees paid directly to A Fine Balance.