Creating inclusive PE and school sport environments for all

With an estimated 20 per cent of children in schools being SEND, making sport and physical activity inclusive has never been more important.

With this in mind, Active Sussex focused its annual School CPD Day on creating an inclusive PE and school sport environment for young people with SEND.

More than 60 delegates attended the event, held at the American Express Stadium in Brighton on Friday, October 17.

Rob Belbin, from the Youth Sport Trust and Director of Inspired Inclusive Solutions, led the day and said: “It is fab to see so many people here today, and it really demonstrates how schools are placing a real importance on inclusion and difference. 

“Listening to colleagues’ comments and watching their engagement has been fantastic, whether that be in policy, adapting lessons, or just making that change so every young person is included.”

Organiser David Taylor, Schools Officer at Active Sussex, said: “It was great to see this event selling out so quickly. 

“There is a significant drive currently from PE leads in Sussex to make their provision more inclusive and accessible to all pupils. 

“They understand the power that being physically active can have on all areas of school and want every one of their pupils to benefit from this, both now and throughout life.’

‘Rob’s calm, eloquent and knowledgeable delivery really highlighted why schools need to focus on inclusion now more than ever. 

“The training showcased a multitude of ways to support all pupils, especially those with SEND. 

“I am really looking forward to hearing the changes delegates are making back at school and what impact this is having on their pupils’ experiences.”

The day opened with a keynote on Inclusive Opportunities for All, followed by sessions exploring the who, what and how of inclusive PE and school sport. 

Delegates also took part in an action-planning exercise, a Q&A, and a closing reflection session to consider how they could apply their learning in practice.

During the morning, teacher Katie Hooker introduced Cradle Hill Community Primary School in Seaford as the new Lead Inclusion School for Sussex. 

She outlined the school’s experience and expertise in embedding inclusion across the whole curriculum – not just in PE – and later led a simple but effective “brain break” activity to demonstrate how short movement sessions can help children refocus after playtime.

Throughout the day, attendees were encouraged to reflect on how inclusive their own PE, sport and physical activity (PESSPA) provision is, and to identify practical changes they could make to ensure that every child can take part and thrive.

A key message was the importance of embracing neurodiversity, recognising difference, adapting delivery, and creating environments where every child feels confident and capable.

PE, sport and physical activity offer a unique opportunity for neurodivergent children to understand their strengths and challenges in a safe, structured and supportive setting that aligns with how their brains work.

Delegates left the event not only with a set of new resources and ideas to take back to school, but with a renewed commitment to making PE and school sport a place where every young person belongs.