Church of England
Wetheringsett VCP School Physical Activity Policy
Part of our Healthy Schools approach to education
Date of Policy:
Autumn 2009
Date for Review: Autumn 2012
Contact Person: Extended Schools Manager (Mr Simington) Headteacher: Mr David Simington Chair of Governors: Ms Siobhan Goodrich Governors Committee: Full Governing Body
Notes: Policy drafted Autumn 2009 as part of Healthy Schools Application. Adopted by Governors Autumn 2009.
Wetheringsett School Physical Activity Policy
Introduction This policy was established in the Autumn Term 2009 as part of the application for Healthy Schools Status. It is not viewed as a new policy, but is simply confirmation of the established practices that have been a key element of the school’s ethos. The policy incorporates the outcomes of consultation with pupils, staff and parents. The policy should be read in conjunction with: PSHE Policy, PE Policy, School Travel Plan, Food Policy
Aim “To ensure that all aspects of physical activity in school are promoted for the health and well being of pupils, staff and visitors.”
Rationale The ethos of the school is as a health promoting environment. The school has, for many years exceeded the national target that all pupils will have a minimum of 2 hours moderate intensity high quality PE and sport both within and outside the curriculum (85% by 2008). However, with the national issue of the increasing obesity epidemic and decreasing levels of physical activity among children it was felt appropriate to reaffirm our commitment to children’s health. Every Child Matters and its outcomes are now embedded in our school aims. Physical activity affects the ability of children to learn effectively and so the school fully supports and encourages initiatives to promote physical activity. The role of the school is crucial in contributing to family and community health and well-being The school must “practice what it preaches” to reflect the principles taught PE curriculum. The school will make full use of the support offered by High Suffolk Sport Partnership and other agencies.
Objectives To provide consistent messages in school about physical activity both within and outside the taught curriculum. To increase and maintain the physical activity levels of pupils at least in line with national targets. To contribute to optimum pupil behaviour, physical fitness, growth and development, assisting pupils to reach their learning potential. To improve self esteem and confidence among pupils and provide opportunities for them to work together. To provide the opportunity for pupils to develop valuable life time skills. To increase pupils’ knowledge, understanding, experience and attitudes towards physical activity. To ensure physical activity provision in school reflects the cultural and medical needs of pupils. To contribute to out of hours learning for pupils.
Guidelines The school will ensure that the taught curriculum at both Key Stages will have a minimum of 2 hours per week of PE. Pupil participation in “one-off” taster activities will be encouraged and supported whether after school of within the timetabled day. Walking and cycling to school are actively promoted, although the difficulties locally with abuse of cycle storage means that such storage cannot be under cover. Break and lunch times – Sporting equipment for the playground is provided for pupils and managed by Sports Prefects.
Specialist rooms e.g. Village Hall and stage area is made available for activities such as dance clubs or majorettes run by children for children. The environment is made to be as conducive to physical activity as is possible. Out of school clubs and extra curricular activities are encouraged for as many pupils as possible. The premises are extensively used out of school time by other organisations for physical activity purposes. Staff are encouraged to use the sporting facilities out of hours. The school works with partner agencies to promote physical activity. The appointment of a member of staff as “extended Schools coordinator� was specifically designed to facilitate this.
Implementation and Monitoring The provision of the PE curriculum is monitored through the usual procedures that apply to all subjects. The additional activities are monitored by the Extended schools coordinator through registers of participation and the summary of this is shared with the Governors Curriculum Committee.