Age Recommendations Instructor Guidelines:

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Instructor Guidance for Teaching Sessions that Include Under-16s Eligibility

• Only teach participants under 16 years of age in programmes where the Les Mills age recommendation permits attendance.

• Familiarise yourself with any additional operator-specific age requirements before teaching.

Instructor Choice (Opt-In)

• Teaching sessions that include under-16s is optional.

• If you do not feel confident or comfortable teaching younger participants, notify the operator as early as possible so alternative arrangements can be made.

Safeguarding Awareness

• Before teaching, confirm who the designated safeguarding contact is (for example, the Duty Manager or Safeguarding Lead).

• Ensure you understand the process for reporting and recording any safeguarding concerns, incidents, or disclosures.

Compliance Requirements

• Confirm with the operator whether a DBS check, or any equivalent local requirement, is needed.

• Ensure all required checks are completed before teaching sessions that include under-16s. Insurance

• Verify that your professional insurance covers sessions involving participants under 16 years of age, where required by the operator.

Before the Class

• Understand the operator's booking, registration, consent, and health screening processes.

• Ensure you are aware of any relevant information that may affect participant safety or engagement. Class Environment and Set-Up

• Agree the studio layout and instructor positioning with the operator to support visibility, supervision, and effective coaching.

• Ensure the environment allows appropriate observation of all participants throughout the session.

• Select tracks appropriately for the age of participants, including consideration of song lyrics consistent with a family-friendly environment

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Coaching Approach

• Prioritise safe movement, exercise technique, and age-appropriate coaching.

• Provide suitable options and progressions where needed.

• Maintain an inclusive coaching style that supports all participants while remaining mindful of younger attendees.

After the Class

• Share any feedback, observations, concerns, or suggested improvements with the operator.

• Reporting learnings and challenges helps improve future participant experiences and reduce potential risks.

Instructor Checklist

Before teaching a session that includes under-16s, confirm the following:

☐ I have checked the programme-specific age recommendations.

☐ I have confirmed the operator's expectations and safeguarding procedures.

☐ I know who to contact on shift if a safeguarding concern arises.

☐ Any required DBS or equivalent checks have been completed and verified.

☐ My insurance covers teaching sessions that include under-16s.

☐ I have confirmed that I am comfortable and willing to teach participants under 16.

☐ I understand the operator's booking, registration, consent, and health information processes.

☐ The studio set-up and instructor positioning support effective supervision and coaching.

☐ My coaching plan prioritises safe technique and age-appropriate instruction.

☐ I understand how to escalate and report any concerns.

☐ I will provide post-class feedback to support continuous improvement.

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Useful Resources

EMD UK – Professional membership, instructor resources, and insurance information: https://emduk.org/

CIMSPA – Professional standards and workforce guidance:

https://cimspa.co.uk/

Operator Safeguarding Policies – Refer to your facility's safeguarding lead, policies, and reporting procedures.

ukactive Youth Guidelines : https://ukactive.com/resources/children-andyoung-people-in-gym-and-group-exercise-facilities/

Download the Les Mills Youth Guidance Age Recommendations here

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