A new, free school programme is to be unveiled to help more children experience the benefits of inclusive PE.
Currently only one in four disabled children regularly takes part in PE and school sport, missing out on opportunities to build confidence, self-belief and a sense of belonging.
Available from next week, Equal Play in PE, produced jointly by ParalympicsGB and NatWest Thrive, is a free, research-informed programme giving primary teachers practical, low-prep, ready-to-use resources to deliver inclusive PE lessons for all pupils, regardless of ability, need or experience.
The programme responds directly to teacher feedback, offering PE-specific support that shows how to adapt real activities for different needs.
It includes videos showing how ParalympicsGB athletes adapt physical activity, ready-to-use inclusive lesson progressions and pupil-friendly participation cards.
The partnership builds on ParalympicsGB’s Equal Play campaign and expertise in inclusive sport, and NatWest Thrive’s wider ambition to help young people develop confidence and self-belief through practical support and opportunities.
Planning PE on instinct
ParalympicsGB surveyed 150 teachers across the UK to find out why the gap between knowing and doing is so wide. It found that teachers are planning lessons on instinct rather than practical support and training.
Four in five teachers said they had received no PE-specific inclusion training and most who did said it hadn’t changed their practice.
Nearly 80% said they lacked knowledge or confidence to deliver inclusive lessons and 95% faced structural barriers, such as space, staffing and equipment.
Every teacher surveyed had encountered communication and attention needs in lessons, with 95% encountering physical or sensory needs. Yet only 45% of respondents felt confident in supporting pupils’ physical needs.
Feeling included and having the opportunity to participate helps young people build self-belief and develop new skills
David Clarke, chief executive of ParalympicsGB said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the happiness, confidence and sense of belonging that comes from play and physical activity, yet too many disabled children continue to face barriers to fully participate in PE and sport at school.
“We know teachers want every child to have a positive experience, but our research has highlighted that many lack the time, training and practical support needed to feel confident delivering truly inclusive PE.”
Belonging and participation
Margaret Jobling, chief marketing officer, NatWest said: “We’re committed to helping young people build confidence and take action to reach their potential. We know that feeling included and having the opportunity to participate helps young people build self-belief and develop new skills.
“Research with teachers found that 97% identified psychological outcomes, including confidence, belonging and accomplishment, among the most important benefits of inclusive PE for pupils with disabilities or additional needs, underlining the important role sport can play in helping young people thrive.
“This partnership is built on a shared ambition to help make PE more inclusive, so that every young person feels they belong and can participate.
“By giving teachers practical, accessible resources, we’re helping create more inclusive PE experiences where every young person can grow in confidence and reach their potential, in the classroom and beyond.”
For more information and to register go to: bit.ly/equalplayinpelaunch
