[Perrin Fox]

The Association for Physical Education (AfPE) have updated their advice for spending the PPE&SSP this year. They have produced 10 top tips and it is definitely worth a read. LINK

Covid-19 has impacted on young people in a variety of ways. Research has shown that physical activity levels have reduced, mental health concerns have increased, and educational gaps have widened. With schools now fully open and children returning to formalised educational settings, it is critical that we ensure that they feel safe, secure, and confident in order to maximise learning and wellbeing. Now more than ever, physical education, school sport, and physical activity should be priorities for all schools given the known benefits they bring to physical, social, emotional and cognitive wellbeing. This includes a whole school approach to physical activity, physical education (PE) and school sport so that other areas of the curriculum can be enhanced and developed thus achieving improved attainment across the whole curriculum.

The Primary PE and sport premium can be used in effective and impactful ways to overcome some of the challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic. It is important that all schools ensure that the funding is used in an appropriate and sustainable manner, thus ensuring positive changes in behaviour. Outlined below are a number of exemplars for which schools could use the PE and sport premium 2020/21, together with any carry over funding 2019/20. It is important to create changes that will make a sustainable difference to the lives of all children and young people.

Currently it may be more challenging but not impossible to use external providers in order to support PE lessons and sports clubs; therefore, it is of paramount importance that existing staff are qualified, competent and confident to deliver high quality PE and physical activity opportunities. If external coaches are used to assist with technical upskilling of the workforce and to enhance the extra-curricular offer, this work should be comprehensively risk assessed and in line with locally agreed policies. We would encourage schools to explore CPD opportunities including online learning, linked to physical education delivery, whole school physical activity learning strategies and/or outdoor learning initiatives. Try to invest in CPD that aims to address staff motivation as well as their relationship with physical education and sport, rather than just simply up-skilling staff in the technical aspects of traditional sporting activities. The key question must be: “If the funding is no longer available will the impact of this current investment continue?”