Eastbourne schools join together for inclusive sports morning offering new experiences for pupils

The Hillbrow Centre in Eastbourne came alive with curiosity and confidence as pupils from three local secondary schools stepped into a morning of new experiences. 

Designed as a supportive, low‑pressure space, the multi‑activity event gave students the chance to discover sports and skills they may never have tried before.

Up to 30 children from Years Seven and Eight at Eastbourne Academy, Gildredge House, and The Cavendish School took part in five activities on April 23.

Activities included trampolining with Eastbourne Trampoline, circus skills with Sweet Circus CIC, and tennis, basketball and new age curling with Defiant Sport. 

The morning was organised by CYP Co-ordinator and School Games Organiser Liz Price, and was designed to appeal to SEND children in mainstream secondary schools, as well as those who are less active or less confident in traditional PE settings.

The activities were chosen because they are available locally, allowing pupils to continue taking part beyond the event. 

They also reflected the interests expressed by students and were selected for their adaptability, inclusivity, and accessibility.

All the coaches involved were selected for their involvement in the Play Their Way campaign, which follows a child-first approach.

Danny Hatcher, founder of Eastbourne Trampoline, said the session gave pupils the freedom to explore at their own pace.

“It is all on them; they do not rely on others, and they are fully in control,” explains Danny. “They do not have to talk to people; they can be by themselves, so therefore there is no pressure. They can make it as easy or as hard as they want with simple skills.”

Loretta Lock, managing director of Defiant Sport, and two of her team, Aaron and Callum, ran three sessions.

“New age curling is something everyone is able to join in with, as it is a very inclusive sport,” Loretta said. “Basketball was requested as it is a favourite with young people. To make it accessible, we brought several hoops and basketballs of different sizes for people with different abilities.”

For the tennis session, pupils could choose between short skills activities or an informal game, depending on what felt right for them.

Sweet Circus brought a wide variety of circus equipment for pupils to explore. Owner Miz Wells said the activities were deliberately simple to follow but still offered a challenge.

“With a lot of this, you do not have to remember lots of instructions,” she explained, adding that circus skills help develop balance, coordination and resilience. She described the activities as “fun, but not easy”.

Pupils described the morning as “awesome”, “fun”, and said they had “loved it” and that the time had “gone really quickly”.

Claire Johnson from Eastbourne Academy said: “It has been a lovely experience for everybody.”