Schools urged to improve PE for SEND students

Schools minister, Catherine McKinnell, is calling on schools to enhance PE and school sport opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

She encouraged them to take part in the government’s Inclusion programme, which is available to all schools in the country, through both expert support and free resources.

It can help schools enhance opportunities for young people with SEND to engage in PE and school sports, including some of the 22 sports featured in the Paralympics.  

Now in its fourth year, the programme works with a network of 52 lead schools to support local counterparts, including mainstream schools, special schools, and alternative provision settings, providing advice and training to upskill the school workforce to make their PE and sport more inclusive.

School standards minister, Catherine McKinnell said: "Following a summer of major sporting events including the Olympics and Paralympics, the profound impact sports can have on young people has been clearer than ever – shaping their character and fostering a sense of belonging. 

"Every child, regardless of their circumstances, background and abilities should have access to, and benefit from, quality sporting opportunities both inside and outside of school. 

"It’s fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to break down barriers to opportunity and improve the quality and accessibility of PE and school sport provision for pupils with SEND.

"Delivered by a consortium of the Youth Sport Trust, ParalympicsGB, Swim England, Activity Alliance and nasen, the programme offers a unique opportunity for young people to draw inspiration from the Paralympic spirit and be encouraged to participate in physical activities within their schools."

The government recently launched a Curriculum and Assessment Review to drive high and rising standards for all pupils and tackle the barriers which hold them back, including pupils with SEND. The review will consider how best to open up access to subjects such as PE and sport, music, art, and drama.

Over the last three years of the programme, almost 15,000 young people have taken part, with over 3,000 trained as leaders. 

As well as this, more than 4,000 schools have been given advice, training, and guidance and almost 850 events have been delivered.

David Clarke, chief executive of ParalympicsGB, said that physical education is "fundemental to children's happiness, allowing them to have fun whilst they develop motor skills, build confidence, and improve physical and mental health."

He added: "This is particularly the case for pupils with SEND."