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Longfield Academy Whole School Physical Activity Policy Background Information

Date policy formally approved: June 2007
Review date: Biannually from September 2007
Policy written by S.Masters Head of P.E., Feb 2007
Agreed: Governors Curriculum Sub-Committee, June 2007
Person responsible for drafting the policy: Head of PE
In consultation with: Students, Parents/Carers, Staff (inc Healthy Schools Committee)
Person responsible for implementation: Head of PE and monitoring of the policy

Relevance to other school requirements/targets:
Ofsted self evaluation criteria: 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b, 4d
Every Child Matters: enjoying and achieving
PESSCL: 2 hours high quality PE and School Sport

Relevance to other related school policies/strategies:
School development plan
Physical Education Faculty improvement plan
Physical Education Faculty handbook
Longfield Academy Sports Development plan

Rational

The health benefits of regular purposeful physical activity are substantial. The Chief Medical Officer’s report 2004 states:
“There are few public health initiatives that have greater potential for improving public health and well-being than increasing the activity levels of the population of England”

Schools can play a significant role in promoting healthy active lifestyles so that all pupils get a good start in life. The PESSCL target of 2 hours of Physical Education and school sport each week is only one contribution to the public health recommendation that young people participate in 60 minutes of at least moderate physical activity every day. Schools need to maximise the opportunities available for regular physical activity and engage with all pupils in order to help them meet the recommendations. One of the major threats to health is the obesity epidemic. Schools have a key role in encouraging increased participation rates among young people to help achieve the Public Service Agreement to “Halt the year o year rise in obesity among children under the age of 11 by 2010” Placing a high value on purposeful physical activity can promote further participation beyond the school.

Aims

To increase the physical activity levels of the whole school community by developing a supportive environment conducive to the promotion of physical activity.

Objectives

• Providing adequate resources and funding to ensure that the promotion of physical activity can be implemented.
• Ensuring all pupils have access to opportunities to participate in at least 2 hours high quality PE and school sport within and beyond the curriculum.
• Ensuring that all pupils’ experiences of physical activity are positive and encourage participation beyond school.
• Provide pupils with the information and confidence they need to take advantage of physical activity opportunities in the local community and move from dependence on the teacher to independent action.

How our objectives are delivered

Ethos and environment

• All physical activity sessions are structured and delivered to maximise learning, enjoyment and activity levels for all pupils.
• Pupil-centred, differentiated learning and teaching methods are used.
• The school takes steps to change physical activity provision to remove barriers to participation identified by consultation with pupils.
• Facilities are made available for pupils to use at lunchtimes and after school.
• Facilities and equipment are regularly checked and well maintained.

Curriculum

• The school is working towards providing at least two hours curricular Physical Education for each year group.
• The PE programme is broad and balanced, complies with statutory requirements and is accessible to and meets the needs of all pupils.
• Schemes of work are in place that outline a planned approach to health related activity and ensure National Curriculum requirements are met and progress is measured.
• Careful consideration is given to groupings of pupils to ensure inclusively.

Out of hours learning

All Pupils are provided with opportunities to be physically active through out of hours activities by offering a wide range of activities at a variety of times

Community links

• The school links with School Sport Coordinators and other relevant individuals and organisations in the community to enhance and extend activity opportunities.
• Pupils are provided with information on activity opportunities within the local community and the school has made formal links with a selection of these.

Other

• All staff/helpers involved in promoting, supporting or leading physical activity are provided with opportunities for professional development.
• The school is working towards finalising a School Travel Plan
• The PE faculty is committed to safe and effective implementation of activity sessions and there are clear guidelines within faculty documentation to enable this.

Key Development Targets

• Continued development of club links with new support from the School Sports Coordinator.
• To further increase the development opportunities for those who offer to assist with the out of hours activity programme.
• To increase the number of specific events organised that are aimed at promoting physical activity
• To improve the communication and consultation with pupils and parents. Allowing the feedback from to be used in future planning of structured physical activity.
• Working towards the aim of 2hours curriculum Physical Education for pupils of all Key Stages

Monitoring and evaluation

• The policy will be reviewed and evaluated annually within the healthy schools working party.
• Communication with parents via the newsletter will give up dates regarding physical activity issues and will invite feedback.
• Questionnaires will be given to pupils annually to gain their viewpoints on curriculum and out of hours provision
• PE Faculty meetings will have agenda items relating to the provision of physical activity and specifically the identified development targets.
• PE Faculty records of students participating in out of hours activity and also those who attend local clubs will be reviewed annually.