Guide for Primary PE Leaders: Returning to School for the New Academic Year

1. Review and Reflect

  • Evaluate last year’s provision:
    • What worked well? (e.g., pupil participation, after-school clubs, intra-school competitions)
    • Where were the challenges? (e.g., equipment gaps, timetable clashes, inclusion issues)
  • Analyse pupil outcomes:
    • Engagement levels
    • Skills progression (fundamental movement skills, teamwork, fitness)
    • Participation in extra-curricular opportunities

2. Curriculum Planning

  • Update long-term plan: Ensure coverage of all National Curriculum PE areas (games, dance, gymnastics, athletics, outdoor/adventurous activities, swimming if applicable).
  • Progression: Check that skills build year on year.
  • Cross-curricular links: Consider how PE can support wellbeing, maths (data in athletics), literacy (sports writing), or science (healthy bodies).
  • Inclusion: Plan adaptations for SEND pupils and ensure equal access for all.

3. PE and Sport Premium Funding

  • Review spending from last year and its impact.
  • Set priorities for this year: e.g., staff CPD, equipment, active playgrounds, swimming catch-up, targeted clubs for less active pupils.
  • Keep records for reporting impact to governors, SLT, and parents.

4. Health & Safety and Equipment

  • Audit resources: balls, bibs, mats, athletics gear, playground equipment. Replace or repair where needed.
  • Risk assessments: Update for indoor/outdoor spaces, equipment use, and off-site activities.
  • Storage check: Ensure equipment is safe, accessible, and organised.
  • Emergency procedures: Make sure staff know expectations (first aid, accident reporting).

5. Timetabling and Staffing

  • Ensure each class has 2 hours of PE weekly (or as close as possible).
  • Identify who is teaching PE (class teachers, HLTA, sports coach) and where CPD is needed.
  • Build in variety: indoor, outdoor, competitive, and creative opportunities.

6. Extra-Curricular Opportunities

  • Clubs: Re-establish before/after-school clubs; consider targeting different groups (e.g., KS1 fundamentals, KS2 competitive sport, girls-only clubs, SEND-friendly sessions).
  • Competitions: Link with local School Games Organiser (SGO) for fixtures, festivals, and inclusive events.
  • Intra-school competitions: Plan termly events for house teams or year groups.

7. Whole-School Initiatives

  • Daily physical activity: Revisit strategies (daily mile, playground challenges, active learning in classrooms).
  • PE Ambassadors/Leaders: Train older pupils to support playground activities and younger children.
  • Health and wellbeing: Work with PSHE/Science leads to embed healthy lifestyle messages.

8. Professional Development

  • Support staff confidence: Identify training needs (dance, gymnastics, assessment).
  • Model best practice: Offer team-teaching or observation opportunities.
  • Stay updated: Keep up with national guidance, local authority updates, and professional networks.

9. Assessment and Monitoring

  • Decide how you’ll measure progress: skills grids, observation checklists, pupil voice, video evidence.
  • Track participation: who attends clubs, competitions, and enrichment activities.
  • Report regularly: to SLT and governors on impact of PE provision and pupil engagement.

10. Celebrating PE and Sport

  • Assemblies: celebrate sporting achievements (in and out of school).
  • PE noticeboard or newsletter: share fixtures, achievements, and health tips.
  • Sports Day: start planning early for maximum engagement and community involvement.