Education CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT)

THIS SUBMISSION RELATES TO THE FOURTH QUESTION IN THE INQUIRY BRIEF.

Key Issue 1: To raise the profile and status of PE in the primary curriculum so that all schools commit to prioritising the physical health and mental well-being of their pupils

Recommendations to achieve Key Issue 1:

(a)Retaining PE as a core element of the new curriculum.

(b)Initiating a national award scheme that enables the skills and qualities demonstrated by young people in PE to be rewarded.

(c)The quality and quantity of PE, school sport and physical activity to be a more measurable outcome for all schools.

Key Issue 2: To create a sustainable, long-term solution to improving the quality of PE teaching in primary schools

Recommendations to achieve Key Issue 2:

(a)Producing a clear description of what high quality PE, PE teaching and PE curricula look like from EYFS through to the end of KS2

(b)Piloting a new CPD approach through Primary PE Specialist (PPS) role. This high quality individual will be primary trained but with a PE specialism. They will work with a small group of local primary schools, ideally spending one day a week in each. They will work with EYFS through to KS2, modelling lessons, coaching teachers, cooperative planning and co-teaching so that there is a sustainable legacy both in the school and across that family of schools. Based on feedback from the pilot, the national roll out would ideally commence in September 2014.

(c)Ensuring physical literacy training and support is available for every primary teacher, trainee primary teacher and other support staff as appropriate.

Key Issue 3: To improve the number and quality of on-site facilities for PE and school sport

Recommendations to achieve Key Issue 3:

(a)Ensure that every school has access to a safe grass (or synthetic) PE teaching area (fenced where appropriate)

(b)Upgrade playgrounds to ensure that every school has a safe, flat hard surface for PE teaching PE (fenced where appropriate)

(c)Ensure that every primary school has the use of a safe, appropriate indoor space.

If these actions are taken, we believe that there will be a foundation for a genuine lasting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

April 2013