Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity by Pembrokeshire County Council

Sport Pembrokeshire

Supporting Schools through

Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

Foreword

A message from the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager This booklet is designed to provide an overview of the support that Sport Pembrokeshire can offer to schools. All children in Pembrokeshire schools have the right to experience the benefits of inclusive physical activity. The Welsh Government has made a commitment to ensure children and young people are provided with basic physical skills from an early age and that physical literacy is as important a development skill as reading and writing. The cost of inactivity to our health services is huge but the cost to our young people’s wellbeing is even higher. “31% of Pembrokeshire children aged 4 to 5 years are overweight or obese (boys 34% girls 28%). National average 26.5%.” (Public Health Wales, Child Measurements Programme, 2013/14)

Sport Pembrokeshire can help schools identify some of the key areas for improvement in sport and physical education and suggest a tailor made programme to take these changes forward.

Aside from the obvious benefits of health and improved physical skills, P.E and sport are crucial components of a well - rounded education, having the power to improve young people’s academic performance, resilience, concentration, team work, self confidence, leadership skills and employability.

We need to ensure school sport is attractive, accessible and affordable and that the individuals tasked with delivering school sport are confident and competent to deliver the subject. If you would like to work with us or discuss how we can best achieve what you need, please get in touch. Together, we can help you to shape happier, healthier pupils.

Fortunately, schools are well placed to play their role in changing the culture of inactivity. Habits, skills and confidence learnt whilst young can influence how people participate for life. Schools tell us how excluded young people or children lacking in self confidence have found something they can excel at.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sport Pembrokeshire has a clear challenge to improve levels of physical activity among girls, disabled children and children living in poverty, who must have access to good quality provision in order to reach their full potential.

Ben Field Sport Pembrokeshire Manager Pembrokeshire County Council

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

Priorities Some things are more important than others and in order to make the biggest difference Sport Pembrokeshire has identified the following 5 service priorities:

•

Encourage more people to take part in inclusive physical activity more often and to adopt an overall healthy lifestyle (3 x a week all ages).

•

Ensure all children (aged 11) are competent in water based environments.

•

High quality sporting experiences at schools for all children across all key stages of learning.

•

Increase the number of children who are members of voluntary sector community sports clubs outside of school.

•

Continue to develop a passionate and capable workforce, including improving the quality and quantity of sports related volunteers.

Within these priorities our focus is to increase participation and improve the quality of provision for girls, those with a disability and those living in poverty.

Sport Pembrokeshire

Who are we? Ben Field

Sport Pembrokeshire Manager

Alan Jones

Sports Development Officer/Golf Development Officer

Lois Hilling

Sports Development Officer

Russell Jones

Sports Development Officer

Matt Freeman

Active Young People Manager/Cricket Development Officer

Joanne Williams

Active Young People Manager

Angela Miles

Disability Sport Officer

Amanda John

Active Young People Officer. St Davids

Barry John

Active Young People Officer. Milford Haven

Dan Bellis

Active Young People Officer. Fishguard/S.T.P

Elgan Vittle

Active Young People Officer. Crymych

Rominy Colville

Active Young People Officer. Tasker Milward

Wyndham Williams

Active Young People Officer. Tenby

Menna Kerrison

Active young People Officer. Pembroke

Sport Pembrokeshire

t: 01437 776191 e: sportpembrokeshire@pembrokeshire.gov.uk www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/sport Like us on Facebook

Facebook/Sport Pembrokeshire

@sportpembs

For a copy of this publication in Braille, in larger print, audio tape or an alternative language, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 776613.

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

How are we doing? Hooked on sport =

PARTICIPATION

takes part in organised activity other than curriculum time on three or more occasions per week.

Pupils Hooked on Sport

100%

70% 89%

50% 60%

40% 30%

40% 20%

10%

22%

In Pembrokeshire secondary schools there is a gap of 27% between the highest school and the lowest school.

Pupils Hooked on Sport (Gender)

100%

70% 86%

80%

75%

30%

40%

21%

Males

20%

Females

10% 0%

Primary Schools

There is a 6% gender participation gap in the number of pupils ‘Hooked on Sport’ in Pembrokeshire primary schools

40% Males

31%

Females

Secondary Schools

There is a 10.5% gender participation gap in the number of pupils ‘Hooked on Sport’ in Pembrokeshire secondary schools

Sport Pembrokeshire

60%

50% 40%

23%

66%

60%

Secondary Schools

Primary Schools

Pupils Hooked on Sport (Gender)

20%

36%

20%

In Pembrokeshire primary schools there is a participation gap of 67% between the highest school and the lowest school.

GENDER

63%

60%

80%

“

To maintain a basic level of health, children and young people aged 5-18 need to do at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day. (NHS guidelines)

Extracurricular =

”

The number of children who are members of voluntary sector community sports clubs outside of school.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

EXTRACURRICULAR

School sports clubs outside the regular curriculum.

Frequent parƟcipaƟon in extracurricular sport (at least once a week) 100% 85%

80% 60% 40% 20%

21%

Sports club membership =

Primary Schools

In Pembrokeshire primary schools there is a gap of 64% between the highest school and the lowest school.

Sports club membership 100%

95%

80% 60% 40%

43%

20% 0%

Primary Schools

In Pembrokeshire primary schools there is a gap of 52% between the highest and the lowest school.

Sports club membership

Frequent parƟcipaƟon in extracurricular sport (at least once a week)

80%

75%

70% 60%

60%

56%

50% 40%

40%

46%

30%

32% 20%

20% 10%

Secondary Schools

In Pembrokeshire secondary schools there is a gap of 29% between the highest and the lowest school.

In Pembrokeshire secondary schools there is a gap of 24% between the highest and lowest school.

Findings from Sport Wales school sport survey 2015 for Pembrokeshire. If you have completed the school sport survey and would like to know how your school ranks in comparison to other schools in Pembrokeshire and Wales, please get in touch. 5

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

How can we make Case S tu d ie s

Girls (Fishguard Sports Girls’ Football Club) Fishguard Girls’ Football Club, which launched in 2007 has created extensive links with local schools in and around the Fishguard area. Sport Pembrokeshire’s Active Young People Officer Dan Bellis, surveyed the girls in Ysgol Bro Gwaun to find out the pupils sporting preferences. As a direct result of the survey, extracurricular football sessions for girls began in the school. In order to sustain the activity, Dan made the link with Fishguard Sports AFC who were delighted to help with the creation of a new girls’ club.

One parent whose daughter plays for the club commented: “My daughter struggled with friends when she first started secondary school. She was quite shy and lacked confidence. Girls’ football has allowed her to form new friendships. The support and expertise of the coaches has made all the difference to her and they have really encouraged her to move forward with her football.” Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People Officer Dan Bellis said: “We know from research that girls are dropping out of sport. The situation is not unique to Pembrokeshire but we are determined to address it. The club has successfully created links with all Ysgol Bro Gwaun feeder schools and all other North of the County schools which is fundamental for the growth of the game. To engage the girls the club has concentrated on building an environment of trust and respect. We listen to what the girls want and let that shape what we do. We try to ensure that every girl that comes to the club has a great time!”

Currently with 7 teams and over 50 players competing in the Pembrokeshire Girls’ League, the club is growing on a weekly basis as new girls are inspired to take up the sport. With support from Community Chest grants the club has been able to position itself at the forefront of the girls’ game in Pembrokeshire. The challenge to get more girls introduced to sport at a young age is something which has been embraced by the club.

Fundamental Motor Skills (Wolfcastle Primary School) Head teacher at Wolfscastle Primary School Mrs Wendy Raymond decided to use the Sport Pembrokeshire PPE service to improve fundamental motor skills at her school.

The sessions at Wolfscastle target all pupils from part time nursery to year 6 with physical literacy being a key focus for the school. “The impact on the fundamental motor skills of the pupils is clear. When year 5 and 6 attended a residential trip to Llangrannog the pupils with dyspraxia and those with low confidence showed great skill on the climbing wall, abseiling and trampolining. I truly believe that this was due to the consistent and targeted delivery of skills during P.E. sessions,” said Mrs Raymond.

Mrs Raymond said, “I decided to use the service to ensure my pupils received the best possible P.E. lessons from a specialist. I wanted P.E. to be a high priority subject taught every week (whether it was raining or cold!) and I wanted to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum would be covered from team games to gymnastics.” 6

Sport Pembrokeshire

a difference? FSM (Pembroke Dock Community School) Sport Pembrokeshire Officer, Carrie Slack said, “At Pembroke Dock School we have tried to create opportunities in a safe and friendly environment which will impact on physical well being and the ability to make healthy lifestyle choices.”

Pembroke Dock Community School decided to use part of their pupil deprivation grant to increase sport and physical activity amongst disadvantaged learners. Mrs Michelle Thomas, Head teacher at Pembroke Dock Community School commented, “It is widely acknowledged that children from disadvantaged backgrounds may have limited access to sport and physical activity opportunities which children from wealthier backgrounds take for granted. At our school we decided to use Sport Pembrokeshire teachers and coaches that could enthuse our pupils through their own love of sport and who could be role models for the subject.”

Mrs Michelle Thomas Head teacher at Pembroke Dock said, “ Since implementing these sessions in school we have seen a significant turnaround in the attitude, behaviour and attendance of children. Children have felt motivated and empowered as they have more autonomy in these sessions which are not too prescriptive and allow the pupils to be creative. Free running has encouraged respect for others, taking turns and being aware of others while enjoying the freedom of movement. By providing interventions in P.E and physical activity the confidence, motivation and aspirations of the targeted young people has improved.”

The Sport Pembrokeshire service has been used for morning, lunchtime and after school clubs, targeting e-FSM children, particularly those with poor attendance. An evaluation has also been undertaken to measure the impact that these out of hours enrichment activities has had on our learners. Attendance increased in the target group from 88.93% to 93.27%.

Sport Pembrokeshire Officer Amanda John who delivers P.E. at Wolfscastle commented, “Physical literacy underpins everything that we do, it ensures children develop the right skills in the right environment The children at Wolfscastle will now have the ability and confidence to take part in many different sports and activities as they get older.”

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

How can we make

Case S tu d ie s Inclusion

Haverfordwest Wheelchair Basketball Club, which is based at the sports hall at Sir Thomas Picton School, was launched in 2010 after Sport Pembrokeshire Officer Angela Miles identified a local demand for the sport. The club provides inclusive opportunities and has been hugely successful in engaging enthusiasts looking to try their hand at wheelchair basketball.

Libi’s Mum commented, ”One Saturday afternoon we went along to a Sport Pembrokeshire taster session where Libi had her first experience of wheelchair basketball and her first opportunity to try a sports chair. It was fantastic to watch her truly taking part in a sport. Libi joined the club and now plays regularly with enthusiastic coaches and a fantastic group of players. With their encouragement her confidence, determination and enthusiasm have grown both on and off the court and opened up a new world of independence. Libi has particularly enjoyed sharing her sport with friends from school who have been welcomed along to play. Just after her 9th birthday Libi shared her feelings regarding the sense of freedom she felt on the court and the frustration associated with her own wheelchair with her physiotherapist and in February she was fitted with her active user lightweight chair. She now experiences the speed, independence and freedom of the basketball court in all areas of her life.”

9 year old Libi from Spittal School who has cerebral palsy, started swimming and ballet lessons just like her friends at about 4 years of age, however, as she watched them swim further, jump higher and balance longer, her frustrations began to grow and over the next few years Libi tried a variety of sports without finding her ‘thing’.

Sport Pembrokeshire Officer Angela Miles said, “We have taken wheelchair basketball into local secondary schools and provided extracurricular taster sessions for young people to get a taste of this fast paced and exciting sport. This way we hope to encourage many more players into the sport.”

Sport Pembrokeshire

a difference? Pupil Voice (New Sports Council at Milford Haven Secondary School) Milford Haven Secondary School has tried to capture the views of its young people by creating a School Sports Council. In January 2015, 12 pupils were elected from years 7 – 11 by the Heads of Year. Meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday morning during lesson 1 and are chaired by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People Officer Barry John. The silver young ambassadors within the school are also invited to attend. The representatives are a voice for their own year groups and this mass voice can be extremely influential in deciding what sporting provision is delivered at the school. Sport Pembrokeshire Officer Barry John commented, “The Sports Council has placed a much greater importance on pupil voice, giving children an ongoing say in the types of activities they get to take part in. The first project identified is to increase participation amongst year 7 and 8 girls. A questionnaire will be carried out with the girls in order to identify activities to start in September.” Catrin Bowen P.E. teacher at Milford Haven Secondary School said,” All pupils are aware of how the Sports Council can be used to generate change. At the end of the day we want to improve sporting experiences as much as possible. If children have a say in what is provided this leads to more confident, more active individuals.”

The new Sports Council members deliver assemblies, update notice boards, suggest events and new clubs, assist the Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People Officer and listen to ideas from the other pupils. Children from the Sports Council often lead sessions so they are learning new coaching and leadership skills.

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

How can we make Case S tu d ie s

Behaviour Support (Penally Learning Centre) In the spring of 2015, Sport Pembrokeshire began working with the pupils and staff at Penally Learning Centre with the aim of engaging the pupils in physical activity and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Head at Penally Learning Centre, Miss Sian Williams said, “I was immensely proud with the feedback we received from the RNLI during the ‘Hit the Surf’ programme. Several members of staff were approached by those running the course with regards to the excellent levels of pupil engagement and high standards of behaviour. As you can imagine, given our background, this is something which is quite remarkable.”

At the Learning Centre the pupils present complex learning needs, challenging behaviour and emotional difficulties. 64% of the pupils are FSM (free school meals). Often pupils have been unable to take part in extracurricular activities offered by mainstream schools due to challenging behaviour.

Talking about how physical activity can create a unique environment in which children of all physical and academic abilities have the potential to become active and engaged; Miss Williams commented, “the wellbeing of the pupils has increased significantly as success has boosted self esteem. The children are keen to attend and look forward to activities. The pupils have gone from having very limited opportunities for sports and exercise to being able to access many varied forms on a regular basis.”

Active Young People Officer, Wyndham Williams commented, “Sport Pembrokeshire has provided a safe and respectful environment for children to engage in a range of activities including: Tenby Beach Run, Hit the Surf, dodge ball, golf lessons at Trefloyne and the Tour de Tenby. During the beach run it became apparent that many of the pupils had never been to a beach before, nor experienced what it was like to walk on sand.”

Sport Pembrokeshire

a difference?

Impact of school staff training (Ysgol Croesgoch) lunchtime. Lessons were gradually devolved back to the school member of staff over the course of the programme as her skills and confidence developed.

The aim of this project was to upskill a member of school staff in order to improve their confidence in the delivery of physical education. Recognising that it can be difficult to implement what is learnt on a CPD course back at school, a member of staff was able to learn from Sport Pembrokeshire officer Amanda John in their own school environment.

Head teacher at Ysgol Croesgoch, Mrs.J.Evans commented, “The self esteem of this target group has been improved significantly as evidenced in the PASS survey. In addition the motor skills assessment (Portwood) indicates improvement within the target group.”

Pupils were identified by the head teacher and P.E. coordinator. Some lacked confidence or motivation, while others had poor gross motor skills. The member of staff identified was key to the success of the project.

Sport Pembrokeshire Officer Amanda John commented, “Ysgol Croesgoch now has a member of staff who feels more empowered to deliver high quality sessions and is able to share this good practice amongst colleagues.”

10 boys and girls were chosen. The Sport Pembrokeshire Officer delivered a 5 week block of sessions consisting of 2 x 40 minute slots, one during curriculum time and a second at 11

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Sport Pembrokeshire

What services can Peripatetic PE service

Under an annual SLA agreement Sport Pembrokeshire provides quality sports teachers and coaches to Pembrokeshire primary schools to deliver National Curriculum P.E, enrichment sessions and after school clubs. Benefits of the service include improvement in pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; physical literacy, a greater range of activity options to pupils, links between the schools and their local community clubs and a consistent delivery of high quality P.E.

CPD training opportunities for school staff

P.E. and sport is taught by a wide variety of staff in Pembrokeshire schools. These staff range from those with highly specialised experience, through to teachers who have little prior experience of the subject or coaches who bring a great deal of skill and knowledge but may require support on how to ensure effective teaching and learning. Sport Pembrokeshire provides a diverse range of C.P.D. opportunities which can be the key to improving the quality of provision in schools. Training can be provided in a number of different ways from attending courses to mentoring within the school environment. An example of such an opportunity is the delivery of multi skills training to primary staff.

Young Ambassador programme

Through the Young Ambassador programme Sport Pembrokeshire aims to empower and inspire young people to become role models and leaders through sport. Schools who sign up to the programme will have bronze ambassadors at primary level and silver/gold ambassadors at secondary level who act as a representative voice for sport in their school.

Coordination of schools festivals, competitions and events

Competitions are an integral part of school sport and Sport Pembrokeshire organises a wide range of events from girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cricket to boccia. A calendar of events is sent to schools in September and the tournaments give schools a focus to develop healthy competition and often an opportunity to go on to participate in regional and national events.

Improved school community club links

Officers link local clubs with schools, so that pupils can continue their sporting activities in the community long after they have left school. We work with the voluntary sector to build, inclusive, sustainable clubs, with well qualified coaches and a high standard of delivery. Clubs where young people can reach their potential and have fun.

Auditing of pupil preference

Sport Pembrokeshire auditing in schools is carried out on an annual basis to ensure pupils get a say in what they would like to do. This can often be the first step in generating change.

Sport Pembrokeshire

we provide? Inclusive sport

Sport Pembrokeshire supports schools to increase the number of disabled young people regularly playing sport in schools and the community. The Sainsburys Active Kids 4 All inclusive P.E. course delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire helps schools ensure that P.E. is inclusive and open to all learners. Officers are well placed to signpost disabled participants to inclusive clubs to ensure their continued development.

Effective use of pupil deprivation grant

Schools can obtain practical advice from Sport Pembrokeshire when planning how to use their PDG. Physical activity and sport is an excellent vehicle to raise the achievement of all disadvantaged pupils. We have a useful range of examples of how schools have used this money to impact on pupil wellbeing.

Active Young People Leadership Training

Sport Pembrokeshire offers secondary schools the chance to give young people valuable training and the opportunity to work with and influence younger pupils. Active Young People training allows students to become part of the larger voluntary sector sporting workforce and also provides leadership skills which could increase employability.

Buddy Training

This training is a package provided by Sport Pembrokeshire and adapted to suit the needs of the school. Selected children are on duty at playtimes and lunchtimes. These children organise games, get out/put away equipment, look out for bullying, play with lonely children, help with low level conflict, etc. The idea is to give some of the older children a sense of responsibility and to involve them in resolving problems and promoting physical activity.

Supporting Schools through Sport and Physical Activity

Folly Farm back pack programme

Each class in a school is provided with a back pack containing multi – skills equipment. A child is selected to take the back pack home to play with the equipment and to make up a game which they can then share with their peers back in school. The rationale is to improve basic skills and therefore lifelong participation in sport.

Pembrokeshire Annual Sports Awards

A chance for schools to nominate those who deserve county wide recognition for their contribution to sport.

Vulnerable groups

Some schools identify groups of children who face barriers to participation in sport and physical activity and for whom the school feels extra support is needed. Officers brought in to do this targeted work with children can improve fundamental motor skills, self confidence and resilience, the knock on effects of which are then evident back in the classroom.

Improving and developing extracurricular sport

Sport Pembrokeshire can assist schools to develop a year round, fun, extra curricular programme that motivates and inspires all pupils. With an emphasis on enjoyment, provision ranging from cheerleading to hockey can create a broad ranging and balanced extra curricular timetable.

School sport survey support

Schools can be supported through the school sport survey process and on receiving their report can be assisted to develop an action plan to address its findings.

The majority of the services highlighted above are provided free to schools through grant funding. Schools who are interested in bespoke services or interventions can purchase additional support and resources. Sport Pembrokeshire operates on a purely cost recovery basis – we have no desire to ‘turn a profit’.

If you would like to discuss how Sport Pembrokeshire can work with your school, please telephone 01437 776191 or email: sportpembrokeshire@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Sport Pembrokeshire