Encouraging activity beyond the PE lessonThis workshop covers the rationale and importance of schools incorporating 60 minutes of physical activity into the school

day for every child. We will explore resources and the active school planner that can help embed this ethos into your school.

Workshop outcomes

▪ Gain an understand as to why 60 active minutes is important for schools

▪ Gain knowledge of the tools and resources available to help analyse, encourage and promote physical activity beyond PE lessons

Power of an Active School

Active School Planner

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that every child in the UK should have access to at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day for physical and emotional benefits.

Schools should try to plan for 30 active minutes a day for every pupil and influence a further 30 active minutes beyond the school day.

The Active School Planner can help schools plan for 30 active minutes a day for every pupil. The tool is free for primary schools to use to track and improve physical activity levels in their pupils.

https://www.activeschoolplanner.org/

Self-review tool which looks at where and how the school is

increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in

pupils

Encourages schools to complete the Sport England Active Lives

Survey to measure physical activity levels in school

Provides evidence that explains the

link between increased physical

activity and improved

educational outcomes

Provides practical ideas submitted by other schools

on how to increase physical activity

Provides an action plan to support progress towards becoming an active school

Provides guidance and best practice

to make improvements

to school provision

Flip chart questions1. What do you think is the benefit of

being an active school?

2. When is there the opportunity for physical activity during the school day?

3. What resources have you already come across to help increase physical activity within your school?

4. How does your school promote physical activity throughout the school day?

5. What support does your school need to deliver 30 active minutes of physical activity every day to every pupil?

In groups you’ll spend a few minutes discussing each question and getting some

ideas down on the flipchart.

Consider physical education, school sport and additional physical activity in your

answers.

Quick wins for an Active SchoolGive children breaks

•Children learn better for 30-60 minutes following and active break

Get their heart rates up

•Cardio fitness is essential for improved learning

Encourage basic movement skills

•Agility, Balance and Coordination (ABCs) help build cognitive and social development

Make sure everyone is included

•Notice if children are not moving and support them to take part

Mix it up

•Give children choice and variety so they don’t become easily bored

Celebrate great delivery

•For children to stay engaged they need adults to be fun, engaging and inspiring

Take a whole school approach

•Allow for physical activity to be a natural part of the school day

Lead by example

•Take every opportunity to move with the children

Tips for adapting the curriculum• Reduce the ‘cold’ (blue) spots in a

school day

• Use natural breaks in the school day to move more

• Work with parents to get children moving to and from school

• Get children on their feet if they are sitting for too long

• Target a particular year group or cohort of children

• Have active bursts during numeracy and literacy to aid concentration

• Make morning periods of learning longer and the afternoon shorter

• Think about increasing activity before important lessons to aid concentration

What resources are available?On the handout are a list of just some of the resources that can help schools deliver 30 minutes of

physical activity to every pupil each day

Tips for home engagement• Create ‘stay and play’ sessions for parents and children

before or after the school day• Encourage parents to help volunteer to support with

sports events and sessions• Prioritise active homework as much as literacy and

numeracy homework• Establish or share information on family / community

events where the whole school can get active together• Encourage parents to set activity challenges for their

children around the home • Share information about local clubs and sports to

broaden interest and engagement • Keep activity fun so it does not feel like a chore or

punishment • Provide positive reinforcement when children make

healthy choices • Some exercise is always better than none - sit less,

move more!

Thank you