Investing for the future
Schools must use the funding to make additional and sustainable improvements to the quality of physical education (PE), physical activity and sport you offer.
DfE 2018.
What indicators are the authorities looking for?
Although the remit is clear, the methods which schools undertake to improve key metrics of physical development are open. The Government recommends targeting the following indicators:
- The engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity – the Chief Medical Officer guidelines recommend that all children and young people aged 5 to 18 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, of which 30 minutes should be in school
- The profile of PE and sport is raised across the school as a tool for whole-school improvement
- Increased confidence, knowledge and skills of all staff in teaching PE and sport
- Broader experience of a range of sports and activities offered to all pupils
- Increased participation in competitive sport
Our Top 5 Tips
There are a huge number of things your school can do, some simple, and some much more in depth, to try and achieve some of the goals of the PE and Sport Premium. These are out favourite 5.
- Complete a full audit of your lunch time equipment provision. Is there enough, high quality, equipment for your children to be as active as they want to be at all lunch and play times? If the answer is no, consider replenishing your stocks with carefully chosen pieces, consider the development of their key skills – do you have items that encourage running, jumping, throwing, catching?
- Review your staff’s CPD needs. Now is the perfect time to make sure not just your PE Lead is fully on board with your plans, but the other staff too. Consider what you might do if the PE and Sport Premium funding stopped – would your current staffing in school be able to sustain your current activities? If the answer is no, consider how you can up-skill your staff to change that.
- Is your school involved in Sport competitions? Children take huge pleasure from competing and succeeding in events, both inter and intra school. There are so many sports to choose from, it doesn’t have to be just the traditional sports you target. Consider Sportshall Athletics if you haven’t already. The large range of events will appear to children of all abilities – and you will see the positive impacts children can have when they are in a competitive environment, striving to do their best!
- Could your school Playground benefit from some love? Consider the physical environment your children have to play and explore. Do you have unused areas? Consider the impact items such as trim trails, climbing frames or even a MUGA could have on the physical activity of your children. Now is the perfect time to plan a large scale project that could impact your school pupils now and for the next 10-20 years!
- Target and Support your children who are the least active, the ones who simply don’t get involved in traditional games, PE or physical activity. Could you engage them in after school clubs, create alternative games or try some active curriculum lessons to get them engaged. The PE and Sport Premium is not just for the most active or sporty children – consider targeted methods for your least active and you may find you see the biggest impact from your spend in these areas.
View the PE and School Sports equipment range here
With thanks to Derby City School Sport Partnership for writing this blog post. Website: www.derbycityssp.co.uk. Follow them on: Twitter @DerbyCitySSP | Instagram @DerbyCitySSP | Facebook /DerbyCitySSP.