Physical activity in schools – update

In light of the current situation with PE and School Sport funding, new guidance has been released by the UK Government in relation to the reopening of schools in September, with physical activity in schools mentioned.

The document, which covers all aspects of children’s return to the schooling environment, emphasises that individual schools have the flexibility to decide how physical education, sport and physical activity will be provided whilst following the measures in their system of controls.

With this in mind, pupils should be kept in consistent groups, sports equipment should be thoroughly cleaned between each use by different individual groups, and contact sports should be avoided where necessary.

Outdoor sports are looking to be prioritised where possible, with large indoor spaces being used when outdoor space is not readily available. This will ensure distancing between pupils.

External facilities, such as community spaces and off-site halls can also be used in line with government guidance.

Schools should refer to the following advice:

• guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation and guidance from Sport England for grassroot sport
• advice from organisations such as the Association for Physical Education and the Youth Sport Trust

Schools are able to work with external coaches, such as Active Fusion, clubs and organisations for curricular and extra-curricular activities where they are satisfied that this is safe to do so.

Please see our current school offers to see how we can help you establish a solid PE curriculum in your school.