Improved PE and sport for more than 240,000 pupils with SEND
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Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and
disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to
improve access to PE and school sports. Backed by an initial
£300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work
with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide
expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver lessons
that meet the diverse needs of all pupils - including those with
physical, sensory,...Request free trial
Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports. Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver lessons that meet the diverse needs of all pupils - including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs. In doing this, the programme encourages more varied and creative teaching methods that engage all learners – in turn, improving attendance and creating a school environment where all children can achieve and thrive. It will also provide leadership opportunities for 1,500 pupils who will develop activities for their peers as part of the programme, with schools across the country set to host events inspired by the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games. Alongside this, it will see 600 new extra-curricular clubs established offering pupils, including those with diverse needs, the opportunity to take part in a range of sports such as tennis, boccia and archery after the school day. Taking part in physical exercise can support muscle and motor skills, as well as a sense of achievement, confidence, social connection and better mental health.
The programme supports the government's Plan for Change in
breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child
and young person can achieve and thrive. It expects to work with
over 8,000 schools supporting more than 240,000 pupils and 10,000
teachers and practitioners in England across the three years. “Sport has the unique power to break down barriers, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging. “Inclusion 2028 will ensure young people experience the benefits of sport and physical activity, from improved mental wellbeing and teamwork skills to greater resilience. “By building a generation of teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality PE and school sport for all pupils, we can ensure that every child gets their chance to shine.”
“As a Paralympian and a PE teacher I see first-hand the importance of inclusive sport for all and access to PE in schools for disabled children, so I'm absolutely delighted to be a part of this campaign which is so close to my heart. Growing up as a child with a disability I have experienced how physical activity can help improve day-to-day life and enhance mobility, as well as social and mental benefits so it is important that we make PE accessible for all. “It's fantastic that the new direction of the Inclusion 28 programme will support the calls made by ParalympicsGB's Equal Play campaign to ensure that no disabled child is excluded from school sport, and I know that together the Consortium can help drive important, positive change.” Eden Hays, 13, a pupil at Brooklands Middle School, said: “Sport is important for everyone's mental health and wellbeing, but especially for children with disabilities, where life is that bit harder. Being active has helped keep me both physically and mentally strong and ensured opportunities both in and out of school. Opportunities not just in competing, but both leading and educating too. Sport can be adapted for everyone and should be enjoyed by all.”
“We are pleased the Department for Education is continuing to support the transformation of PE and school sport, and access to daily physical activity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. “The Youth Sport Trust believes these opportunities play a fundamental role in the education and enrichment provided by schools, and the experience offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to express themselves, enjoy movement, and develop essential life skills. “Too many children, particularly those with additional needs, are either missing out or still face barriers to inclusion and there is so much more to do to create the capacity capability and opportunity in the system for every child. “We feel incredibly proud to continue leading the delivery of this important programme working alongside a distinguished collaboration of partners all of which are equally committed to this mission. Together through our work with schools, teachers and young people we know inclusive practice can give every child equal access, increase participation, and as a result enjoy the life-changing benefits of play and sport.”
Notes to Editor:
Further quotes: ParalympicsGB David Clarke OBE, PLY – CEO of ParalympicsGB,, said: “Inclusion 28 and the new proposals it encompasses will provide a vital step in the right direction as together we work to drive change in school sports provision that will enable every disabled child to take part in physical education. “With only one in four disabled children regularly taking part in sport at school, ParalympicsGB's Equal Play campaign highlights the massive need for equal access to PE and school sport. This commitment to increase funding that will specifically support disabled children is crucial and I am particularly pleased that ParalympicsGB can continue to work with the YST as part of the Inclusion 28 consortium to improve the lives of disabled children in this country.” Swim England: Swim England is delighted to be a partner in the Youth Sport Trust's Inclusion 2028 consortium, building on the positive impact of the Inclusion 2024 project. Through Inclusion 2024, we successfully supported greater access to swimming and aquatic activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping to create more inclusive and welcoming environments in schools and communities. We are proud of the progress made in breaking down barriers to participation and are excited to continue this journey with Inclusion 2028, working collaboratively to ensure every young person has the opportunity to enjoy the life-changing benefits of school sport and physical activity. Lorna Goldie Swim England School Swimming Development Officer added “Inclusion 2024 allowed us to co-create impactful resources and interventions with pupils, staff and families from 15 lead inclusion. These resources including Oscar who hosts our interactive animated water safety assembly and the digital school swimming assessment tool that allows school and school swimming providers to assess their delivery receiving real time feedback and suggested improvements. We're excited to carry on this journey of innovation with the Youth Sport Trust and other consortium partners through to 2028” Activity Alliance: Helen Derby, Strategic Lead for Programmes and Children and Young People, Activity Alliance, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy fun and meaningful sport and activity. Disabled children should never be left on the sidelines to watch as their friends take part in PE and school sport. "Inclusion 2028 is a fantastic programme that will empower teachers and school staff to provide inclusive physical education. They have the opportunity to give every child a positive PE experience, helping them to go on and enjoy being active for life.” “From delivering practical workshops through to eLearning training we are proud to play our part in helping future generations have happier more active lives." Nasen Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, said: “Inclusion 2028 will build on the amazing work that has already taken place through the continued collaboration of organisations and settings across the sector, and nasen is excited to continue our involvement alongside Youth Sport Trust and other partners. Not only will this be of benefit for children and young people with SEND, but the inclusive practice and approaches being developed will support all children and young people, including beyond the area of school sport and PE.” |