Children and Young People’s
Services Overview and
Scrutiny Panel
Physical Activity and ExtraCurricular Activities in Schools
March 2015
Task Group
Councillor(s)
Sheila Seddon – Chairman
Stephen Glover
Jimmy Jackson
Pat Jackson
Charlie Preston
Lisa Preston
Theresa Sims
1
Table of Contents
Page
Chairman’s Foreword
3
Introduction and Terms of Reference
4
Method of Investigation
5
Background
5-9
Findings
9 - 20
Conclusions
21 - 23
Recommendations
24 - 26
2
Chairman’s Foreword and Acknowledgements
Councillor: Sheila Seddon
Chairman of the Scrutiny Task Group
Physical Education …or PE as we all know it…is an integral part of school life for our
pupils, be it football, rugby, netball or even a newer activity such as Zumba. Physical
activity amongst children and young people is essential to help their bodies grow,
maintain a healthy lifestyle and socialise with their peers.
Government guidance indicates that children aged 5 to18 years should be
undertaking at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and
should minimise the amount of time spent sitting for extended periods. However, the
Department for Education (DfE) has an expectation that all schools will provide at
least two hours a week of PA and sport.
I was encouraged to find that our schools are providing a good standard of physical
activity for their pupils, including school clubs, both within the curriculum and extra
activities. And that our schools are working in partnership with the Council.
Although the findings of this scrutiny report indicate that our schools are providing a
good standard, continued emphasis of physical activity within schools and our
community is needed. Levels of obesity are high and fitness levels in our children are
low. Obesity is a significant issue for our children and young people it’s prevalence in
children is strongly correlated with deprivation. It can be associated with emotional
and behavioural problems from a very young age and mental health problems in
obese children include lower levels of physical activity, low self- esteem, body
dissatisfaction, eating disorders and weight-based teasing. Overweight and obese
youths have an increased risk of becoming overweight adults. Childhood obesity is
significantly associated with a lower general health score, more GP visits, more
school absenteeism.
For adults and children the cost to the NHS locally is more than £14.5m and £47m to
our local economy, in lost work days etc. Source: Public Health England and National
Audit Office.
The task group visited several of our schools, both primary and secondary to talk to
staff and pupils about their perception of ‘PE’. We gained some valuable knowledge
but most of all learnt that the majority of our pupils enjoy the sports on offer. We also
talked to Gordon Pennington at Saints RFC about their involvement with our schools.
I would like to thank for their time and comments all the Schools we visited, both staff
and pupils, schools for returning the survey, Councillors who sat on the task group,
Council Officers and Gordon Pennington from St Helens RFC.
3
1.0 Introduction and Terms of Reference
1.1
During the process of agreeing the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2014/2015
the Council’s Children and Young People Service’s Overview and Scrutiny
Panel agreed to look at the Physical Activity and Extra-Curricular Activities in
Schools.
1.2
The aim of the review was to investigate what level of physical activity
schools offer to pupils both during and after schools hours and how this is
beneficial to young people’s wellbeing.
1.3
The terms of the review were as follows:

To investigate how many hours of actual physical activity pupils undertake on
a weekly basis at each of our schools.

To document what extra curriculum activities are on offer to the pupils of
St.Helens schools.

To establish how schools spent the Primary Sports Premium grant they
received in 2013 and 2014 and what (if any) consultation was undertaken with
pupils.

To investigate if schools comply with the requirements of the Primary Sports
Premium grant by publishing how it was used on their website.

To learn about the Change 4 Life programme in schools and see how this
transpires throughout the year with the establishment of change for life
champions and peer activity leaders.

To look at participation and engagement amongst KS4 pupils, particularly
girls and identify how barriers can be overcome.

To examine any available data from recent surveys i.e. Youth Sports Trust to
get an understanding of the national picture.

To examine borough wide statistical data on patterns of obesity and look at
links between wellbeing, behaviour, achievement and healthy weight.
2.0 Method of the Investigation

We checked our School websites to establish what information has been
published with regards to the Primary Sports Premium.

We visited various schools to establish any good practice.

We talked with staff and pupils to get a feel for the ethos of the school with
regards to physical activity.
4

We met with schools who are proactively trying to overcome barriers relating
to the dis-engagement of young girls in KS4 towards physical activity.

We met with Gordon Pennington to discuss schools use of the Saints
Programme.
3.0 Background
3.1
‘PE’ …..
3.2
We can all remember ‘PE’, physical education classes many years ago,
hockey, netball, football and athletics….communal changing rooms and
showers…. Things have changed over the years and Physical Activity (PA)
lessons now offer a wide range of sports and activities including the traditional
sports and some more unusual ones, and updated, modern and more private
changing facilities.
3.3
Public Health raised concerns about the levels of PA in our schools which is
where the initial idea for the Scrutiny review came from. Levels of obesity
and fitness levels in our children have had national press coverage with
approximately 28% of 2 to 15 year olds being overweight. In terms of
immediate health risks this is largely seen in adults but it also has significant
effects on children and young people. There are a growing number of reports
of obese children suffering type 2 diabetes; a condition previously found
almost entirely in adults. Obese children are likely to suffer stigmatisation. In a
recent school survey in St Helens children reported that if they had been
bullied the most common reason was due to weight and size.
3.4
If a child is obese in their early teens, there is a higher likelihood that they will
become an obese adult, with related health problems in later life hence an
overweight and obese population of children will store up health problems for
the borough as they grow into adulthood. There are also significant
intergenerational effects; children in families where at least one parent is
obese are much more likely to be obese themselves.
3.5
Government guidance indicates that children aged 5 to18 years should be
undertaking at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each
day and should minimise the amount of time spent sitting for extended
periods. So Scrutiny would like to investigate how much PA takes place in
our schools and what is on offer to our young people. The Department for
Education (DfE) has an expectation that all schools will provide two hours a
week of PA and sport.
3.6
Physical activity can be running in the playground, skipping, climbing, playing
team games or activities during the PE lessons, all these activities and more
could contribute to the suggested time spent exercising a day.
3.7
The Government has committed funding for the Primary Sports Premium to
2020, with £750m to be invested over this time. The investment builds on the
£150m a year ring fenced funding currently committed for schools until 2016
to increase primary PE and sport opportunities. This is ring fenced funding allocated directly to primary schools across England, and became effective in
September 2013.
5
3.8
Primary schools are allocated an annual set rate of Primary Sports Premium
of £8000 plus £5 per pupil, Schools must spend the additional funding on
improving their provision of PE and sport, but they will have the freedom to
choose how they do this. Schools are requested, as a condition of the
funding to publically publish, the grant amount and how and what they have
spent it on.
3.9
Possible uses for the funding might include:








hiring specialist PE teachers or qualified sports coaches to work with
primary teachers when teaching PE
supporting and engaging the least active children through new or
additional Change 4 Life clubs
paying for professional development opportunities for teachers in PE
and sport
providing cover to release primary teachers for professional
development in PE and sport
running sport competitions, or increasing pupils’ participation in the
School Games
buying quality assured professional development modules or materials
for PE and sport
providing places for pupils on after school sports clubs and holiday
clubs
pooling the additional funding with that of other local schools.
3.10
Ofsted are monitoring and reporting on how effective schools have used this
grant and staff and Governors are expected to be able to demonstrate this
during an inspection.
3.11
The Youth Sports Trust (YST) has been working with schools for almost 20
years to support the development and delivery of PE in schools. Since 2010,
there has been no national PE and school sport survey undertaken. Without
this information there is a lack of valid national information around provision,
the activity levels of pupils, and trends across PE and physical activity.
3.12
The YST completed a new survey in 2014, coinciding with National School
Sport Week in June. It was not in the same depth as previous surveys but it
responds to schools requests to have a national record of provision as well as
providing individual schools with a bench marking report, however results
have not been made available.
6
3.13
National Child Measurement Programme
Below are two graphs to provide a summary for St.Helens with regards to
percentages of overweight and obese children compared to England, and two maps
to show the demographics of the results following the national child measurement
programme.
Percentage of children in St.Helens who are overweight by school year
Percentage of children in St.Helens who are obese by school year
7
8
3.14
Change 4 Life
3.15
Change 4 Life is a Public Health England campaign launched to inspire
parents to encourage their children and themselves to ‘eat well’ and ’move
more’ to ‘live longer’. There is a dedicated website with lists of local activities,
local support groups, eating healthy tips and guidance and exercise plans.
Schools are also being encouraged to get involved with the Change 4 Life
programme through setting up and delivering a Change 4 Life club on their
site. To support the roll out of these clubs schools have been offered a 3 hour
workshop for the member of staff in charge of the club. They have also been
given an extensive equipment bag which has a range of activities which can
be used to engage the children. Target age group for the club is 7-9 years old.
3.16
St. Helens Council’s Public Health section undertakes an annual Health and
Wellbeing Pupil Survey, inviting pupils in years 6, 8 and 10 from all the
boroughs primary and secondary schools to take part. Questions cover a
wide variety of areas such as, information, advice and guidance, diet, dental
health, physical activity, alcohol, smoking and drugs, and staying safe. The
results give an indication of what our pupils think of these subjects and have
been collated into a report.
4.0 Findings
4.1
St. Helens Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey 2014
4.2
The results of the 2014 Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey have been
collated into a report. The findings give us an understanding of how our
young people think about certain issues and have given Public Health and
other relevant services guidance on what areas need further resources to
enhance them.
4.3
The survey showed that three-quarters of primary school pupils and six out of
ten secondary school pupils reported doing less than two hours of physical
activities in school lessons per week. Around a fifth of all pupils reported
spending over three hours being active per week in out of school clubs.
However, half of year 6 and year 8 pupils don’t participate in any physical
activity in school clubs, and this figure increased to three-quarters of year 10
pupils.
4.4
The report also states that the survey showed that over one third of year 6
pupils were classified as overweight or very overweight with low levels of
physical activity being one of the main causes.
9
4.5
The following tables have been extracted from the survey and show the
amount of time spent being active, by school year:
In lessons
At school
Year 6
Year 8
Year 10
At a club
Not at school
Year 6
Year 8
Year 10
At a school
Club
Year 6
Year 8
Year 10
Playing out
With friends
Year 6
Year 8
Year 10
None Less than 2 hours
2-3 hours
3-5 hours
15%
11%
11%
59%
51%
51%
20%
30%
30%
6%
9%
8%
31%
41%
46%
26%
17%
11%
25%
20%
17%
18%
22%
25%
49%
58%
74%
41%
27%
16%
8%
10%
7%
2%
5%
2%
16%
18%
29%
28%
27%
25%
26%
21%
16%
29%
34%
30%
Base: Year 6 = 1271-1341; Year 8 = 650-710; Year 10 = 955-1043
Average time spent per week being active, by school year:
Base: Year 6 = 1271-1341; Year 8 = 650-710; Year 10 = 955-1043
10
4.6
Sainsbury’s School Games Mark
4.7
The Sainsbury's School Games Mark is a Government led awards scheme
launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development
of competition across their school and into the community. Schools in
England are able to assess themselves across bronze, silver and gold levels
of the mark.
4.8
2014 - Last academic year, the following local schools were awarded various
levels;

Gold (2)
St Aidans / Bleak Hill

Silver (5)
Allanson Street / Eccleston Lane Ends / St Theresa /
Parish / Cowley International College

Bronze (11)
Lansbury Bridge / Mill Green / Rainhill St Anns / Sutton
Oak / St Austins / Carr Mill / Holy Spirit / Grange Valley /
St James / Rectory / St Marys Junior
4.9
St.Helens Sainsbury’s School Games
4.10
There are around 30 sports for schools to choose from and decide which are
best for them to compete in on a local and regional level, the sports are
organised by the Council’s Sports Development Officer (School Games) and
Bleak Hills School Games Organiser and are undertaken throughout the
school academic year.
4.11
The following figures demonstrate what was achieved in the borough during
the period September 2013 – July 2014;









24 events in 16 different sports for primary schools.
3474 pupils (2154 Boys & 1320 Girls).
96% of primary schools participated in St Helens wide events.
Special Schools have been involved in 4 events.
246 Young Leaders from 7 high schools plus Lansbury Bridge School helped
deliver St Helens events.
6 schools have achieved the School Games Mark Award for the academic
year 2013-14 to date.
93% of primary schools are signed up to the Sainsbury’s School Games
website, well above the national average.
22 CPD course opportunities delivered to staff.
An estimated 40,000 plus, pupil hours of training and participation in sport
and physical activity.
It is clear from the figures above that schools enjoy taking part in the games
organised and that large numbers of pupils benefit.
4.12
Primary Sports Premium Grant
4.13
All the primary schools in the St.Helens borough received the Primary Sports
Premium Grant, as a condition of the grant, details should be published by
each individual school. However, we reviewed each schools website and
found that on only 71% of primary school sites and 33% of special school
11
sites had any information published on them, and the detail given varied
greatly, although a proforma has been issued by the Local Authority to assist
schools with this.
4.14
Information published varied from comprehensive breakdowns and plans to a
simple few sentences, with the latter not fulfilling the grants requirements.
Ofsted will be taking this information into account when inspecting schools,
also asking Headteachers and Chairs of Governing Bodies what they know
about how and what the grant funding is being spent on.
4.15
The Youth Sports Trust (YST) Annual Sports Survey
4.16
The last annual sports survey to be undertaken by the YST was back in 2010,
the information below shows data gathered for St Helens against the national
average;
Across the authority access 2
hours of PE
Access 3 hours of PE and
sport
Intra school competition (on
school site)
Inter school competition
(between schools)
Club links per school
(community sports clubs used
by schools)
access community clubs
Gifted and talented
Leaders (30% key stage 1)
St.Helens
88%
National Average
84%
62%
57%
82%
78%
48%
49%
15 links
9 links
36%
7.5%
34%
33%
8%
38%
4.17
The results above show that back in 2010 St.Helens was above the national
average in five of the areas and slightly below in the remaining three areas.
However, due to the YST not undertaking this survey since 2010 we were
unable to compare more recent data.
4.18
Change 4 Life
4.19
The Change 4 Life scheme organised by Public Health England is a great
opportunity for our primary schools to encourage the pupils to get involved.
We heard from the pupil we talked to that they enjoy running the activity clubs
and using the ‘class bags’ of equipment that was provided by the scheme.
Currently 23 from our 54 primary schools are involved and 2 special schools.
4.20
There are pupil ‘ambassadors’ that run the clubs, some before school begins,
breaks and lunch times and some of the schools we visited had display
boards up promoting Change 4 Life. The pupils said that they encourage
other pupils to join in and enjoy all the activities together.
4.21
Public Health at St.Helens Council are currently undertaking a Change 4 Life
impact case study. This case study will explore the impact that the Change 4
Life clubs are having within the schools.
12
4.22
It will focus on the following areas:
 Participation and engagement in particular for previously inactive children
 Increased knowledge of healthy food and physical activity choices
 How the Change 4 Life scheme has been embedded and grown within the life
of the school
 Recommendations for the Change 4 Life Project
 What challenges have the school experienced?
 Uptake of children going onto an afterschool club.
4.23
Scrutiny School Survey
4.24
The task group issued a brief survey, in conjunction with Public Health, to all
the boroughs primary, secondary and special schools. The survey asked brief
questions with regards to hours of physical activity undertaken per week,
activities on offer, pupil choices and best practice.
4.25
38 from 54 of the primary schools and 7 from 9 secondary schools, however
none of the special schools responded to the survey, following analysing the
responses the following data was documented;

On average 88% of primary schools deliver 2 or hours or more of
physical activity to pupils as part of their weekly curriculum, compared to
an average of 68% in secondary schools.

In secondary schools, all key stage 3 pupils receive between 1.5 and 2
hours of physical education each week; whereas at key stage 4 only
64% of pupils do.

75% of primary schools offer 5 or more different activities.

25% of primary schools offer 10 or more different activities.

All secondary schools offer 5 or more different activities.

71% of secondary schools offer 10 or more different activities.

Almost half of the primary schools stated they used the Change 4 Life
clubs to encourage less active pupils to take part in extra-curricular
activities.

Some schools reported that they keep the cost of clubs and extracurricular low or free in order to accommodate for all pupils.

Secondary Schools stated that to engage pupils they;
o
o
Held internal and external sporting events, e.g. sports days
Arranged special activities e.g. army residential and cycling
challenges
13
o
Ensured that school teams open practices to all pupils and
have teams of varying abilities

Schools were asked how they consulted with pupils about the extra
curriculum activities on offer; 61% of primary and 67% of secondary
schools reported that they used the school council to communicate what
activities pupils would like to participate in if available.

The majority of primary schools (71%) reported that they faced
challenges in providing 2 hours of PE due to a busy curriculum
timetable. Access to the hall or facilities was recognised as an issue at
45% of primary schools. Additionally, 42% of primary schools reported
staff time as a challenge in delivering adequate physical education.

The majority of secondary schools (86%) stated that staff time and
availability was the principal limitation in providing 2 hours of curriculum
PE. Additionally, a busy curriculum timetable was a challenge faced by
71% of secondary schools. Furthermore, access to swimming facilities
and transport and activity costs were other key limitations for secondary
schools.
A more detailed analysis can be found at appendix 1.
4.26
We also asked some of the pupils similar questions and received a variety of
comments:
Things pupils said they liked:






Liked being with my friends,
It’s exciting, dancing with my classmates,
Makes you feel fit and lessons are fun,
We do lot of different activities,
Inter-house competitions are fun,
Makes you fit and strong.
Things pupil suggested for improvements included:
 Being able to take water bottles into PE lessons,
 Having different sessions each week,
 Ask the children what they want to do, letting us choose the sport we
want to do, taster sessions to see if you like the activity,
 Longer lessons, but with some time to do what we want to play,
 More equipment.
4.27
Site Visits to Local Schools
4.28
The task group visited a variety of local primary and secondary schools to talk
with staff and pupils. We observed PE lessons and asked the children what
they liked best and if the teachers had consulted with them when deciding
which sports would be undertaken.
14
4.29
Allanson Street Primary
4.30
This was the first school the task group visited, we met firstly with the
Headteacher who explained how they have used the Sports Premium Grant
which has been heavily backed by the use of the Pupil Premium funding. The
school has published a statement on their website to document the amount
and what the Sports Premium Grant has been used for. The School currently
has a silver kite mark from the Sainsburys sports scheme, Key Stage 1 pupils
have one hour of PE a week and Key Stage 2 pupils are timetabled for two
hours of PE a week.
4.31
The School has a dedicated PE lead teacher, who talked to the task group
about the schools aims with regards to PE and explained that the School
takes part in the majority of events and tournament organised by the Council
and finished in the top few in the borough’s league table.
4.32
The School also has close working links with Lansbury Bridge School and
often uses the sports facilities including the swimming pool, also the facilities
at Haydock High School are used by the pupils. Allanson Street Primary
School also has the added benefit of the Thompson Centre being located on
site, which adds another sports hall for the schools use. The Thompson
Centre is also used for after school clubs and by the community.
4.33
The task group talked to a group of 11 pupils from a range of year groups.
The pupils explained about the games and sports they take part in and what
they most enjoyed. Three ambassadors for the ‘Change 4 Life’ scheme
chatted about what roles they have, these three year 6 girls helped encourage
other pupil to join in sports and they hold a ‘wake up and shake up’ class each
morning before classes start amongst other duties.
4.34
The School is dedicated to improving the pupils lives with the use of PE and
sport and a wide range of activities are offered, the task group watched a gym
class and also a dance class held in the Thompson Centre by an external
teacher. The School uses external teachers / specialists to provide an
extended PE curriculum. The School does not charge pupils for any
activities they provide.
4.35
A small group of PE staff across the borough have been designated as ‘sports
champions’ to assist other schools in the approach to PE and sport, although
at the time of the task group visit no schools in the borough had requested
their guidance.
4.36
Bleak Hill Primary
4.37
The school has the great benefit of hosting one of the two ‘Schools Games
Organiser’ posts which exist within St Helens Council. ‘Schools Games
Organiser’, being located on site for part of the week, who also teaches the
PE curriculum for two days a week during this time, two hours of PE is
timetabled for the whole school. The school has fully utilised the Sports
Premium Grant but has also supported PE and sports through their delegated
budget, they have published a comprehensive action plan on their website
with regards to the Sports Premium Grant.
4.38
The task group chatted to a group of 12 pupils from years 4, 5 & 6, the
children listed all the sports and activities they took part in, including football,
15
rugby and netball to cricket, dance, athletics and swimming, even a ‘santa
dash’. They stated that they took part in lots of sports clubs outside of school
and knew about healthy diets and eating.
4.39
The school has numerous display boards around the school, including
Change 4 Life, explaining healthy eating, certain sports and the trophies are
on display in the main entrance hall. All pupils take part in sport at different
levels, and the school enters the majority of tournaments organised by the
Councils School Development Team, finishing near the top of the league table
in the borough.
4.40
The school also won ‘PE School of the Year’ last year awarded by
Merseyside Sports Partnership, has earned Sainsburys Gold kite mark for
sports and is part of the Change 4 Life scheme. The School also has a
comprehensive website which is updated weekly with PE and sports news.
4.41
It was evident from discussions with the school staff that the PE and sport
provision within the School is driven by the Senior Management Team,
however it was also stated that in some schools this can be slow and
therefore reflects on their sports provision.
4.42
Concerns were also raised about the ‘drop ‘out’ level once pupils attend
secondary schools, up to 80% of pupils become disengaged with sport, only
taking part in the statutory lessons.
4.43
Eccleston Lane Ends Primary
4.44
Eccleston Lane Ends Primary School has a dedicated PE Lead member of
staff, who met with the task group to discuss the Schools approach to PE.
There is also a lead member of staff for the Change 4 Life scheme, each
class has its own activity bag and a large display was on show in the hall and
the School has earned Sainsburys Silver kite mark for sports.
4.45
Inside and outside space is limited at the School but this does not hinder the
delivery of physical activity and sports and all pupils receive two hours of PE a
week. Specialist sports teachers and coaches have been hired by the School
using their Sports Premium Grant and full use of this funding has been
published by the School on their website.
4.46
The task group met with a group of eight pupils from years 4, 5 & 6, the pupils
talked about how much they enjoyed the PE lessons, inter-house games,
Olympic day and the annual sports day.
4.47
Various motivating schemes have been established such as ‘Wheelie
Wednesday’, where pupils are encouraged to cycle to school to gain points.
‘Funky Feet’ where pupils walk to school and can they wear their own shoes
for the day. Pupils are also encouraged to bring their PE kit as again points
are given and at the end of the term the winner can wear their own sports kit.
4.48
There are a wide selection of activities and sports on offer which include
swimming lessons, however the School has had to hire a swimming pool out
of borough due to class sizes and local availability. The School enters
competitions on a frequent basis which the pupils stated they really enjoyed.
4.49
Some extra curriculum activities are charged for.
16
4.50
Sherdley Primary
4.51
Sherdley Primary School has two members of staff who are responsible for
the delivery of PE provision which the task group met with. We were
impressed with their commitment and dedication to improving the health and
wellbeing of their pupils. The School was welcoming and pupils whom we
spoke to and observed were engaged and positive about the provision of
activities provided by the school.
4.52
The school offers a good wide range of activities, from football, gymnastics,
netball, dance, basketball and judo both during school hours and after hours.
Pupils have the opportunity to participate in both before and after school
activities – the school has recently engaged with parents to utilise their
skills/talents and are now able to provide a gymnastics club. The club is £5
per half term, however fees are not a barrier to participation, as funding can
be used for those pupils who are unable afford it. A judo club is due to start
next half term.
4.53
Some extra- curricular clubs are run by school staff and are free to all pupils.
Due to health and safety there is a limit of up to 20 children per club. PE
lessons are held on a Monday and Friday every week throughout the school.
The regularity helps to reduce the numbers of forgotten PE kits.
4.54
All Pupils receive two hours of PE per week. Swimming lessons at Parr pool
are provided to Year 4 children over two terms. The school works with
Liverpool Football Club who come into the school and deliver PE sessions
which are funded by the Primary Sports Premium. The club works hard to
engage all pupils and in particular targets those who are deemed vulnerable.
The task group watched a game of dodge ball – all the pupils taking part were
fully engaged and participated well.
4.55
We spoke to a number of pupils who told us about the activities they
participated in and what they enjoyed about the various clubs/activities
offered by the school. All were very enthusiastic and willing to try different
activities. They had recently completed a questionnaire asking them what
sports/clubs they would like to try. The school was trying to provide some of
the things which were asked for.
4.56
The school had a strong focus on physical activity during PE – pupils were
encouraged to take part rather than sitting and watching. Years 5 and 6 were
encouraged to help other pupils participate and join in team games and
midday activities. It was felt that it was important that pupils worked at a level
of intensity which raised their heart rate and made them breathless.
4.57
The school promote activate (wake up and shake up) and all pupils have a
2x5 minute sessions per day, before lessons begin and after the lunch period.
Teachers believe this is having a good impact in the classroom and all
children seem to be enjoying it.
4.58
Cowley International College
4.59
The secondary school holds the sports Silver kite mark from Sainsburys and
the PE Department has been graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. The School
benefits from having St.Helens rugby team Saints training facility on site
17
which is extremely motivational for the pupils who also have chances to train
with them.
4.60
Both Key Stage 3 and 4 are timetabled for two hours of PE lessons a week.
This is enhanced by various lunchtime and after school clubs, including
Saturday morning training sessions, the School benefits from a large sports
hall, gymnasium, three outside fields and enclosed 3G (versatile artificial turf
pitches).
4.61
The task group met with members of PE staff who explained how the section
operates. They have acknowledged that not all pupils enjoy the same sports
and have included activities such as dance, Zumba, cycling, fencing etc to
engage all pupils. PE staff stated that if girls start to fall out of PE activities
they still generally enjoy the dance classes.
4.62
Incentives to join clubs such as attendance cards to earn ‘goody bags’ have
been a great success in engaging pupils, the School says that the wide
variety of sports and activities on offer ensures there is something for
everyone.
4.63
The task group spoke to 12 pupils from various years, they stated they attend
clubs and enjoy the activities on offer. They said the teachers made them
work hard during lessons and included everyone in the lessons activities.
Sports kit can be borrowed from school so there is no excuse not to take part.
The pupils said they would like to take part in a sports leadership course if it
was offered.
4.64
De La Salle School
4.65
The School had a total rebuild in 2010 which took 30 months to complete at a
cost of £20million, the Headteacher told the task group that the PE section
and facilities went through difficult times with very limited facilities during the
building programme.
4.66
However, PE featured highly in the re-build design of the School and the PE
facilities are now extensive. There is a large sports hall, separate activity hall,
fitness suite, dance studio, outside there is a MUGA pitch, athletic track,
netball/tennis courts, rugby and football pitches and brand new changing
facilities.
4.67
The PE staff teach small classes and have the chance to undertake a wide
variety of activities, as well as year 10 and above being able to access the
fitness suite. The whole school also takes part in an annual nine mile walk.
4.68
PE staff said that the pupils are keen, they felt that the transition from Year 6
to 7 was good and that most pupils take part in the classes, however they did
say that they don’t really consult the pupils on what activities they would like.
There seems to be a ‘drop out’ at Year 9 due to studying commitments, and
this can be particularly seen in the dance class numbers.
4.69
The task group talked to seven pupils from across the year groups. Half of
the group were very keen on sports and enjoyed activities in and outside of
school. They said PE lessons are physical active, there are sports prefects
and that they encourage all pupils to join in the fun.
18
4.70
There are spare PE kits to borrow, and the boys seem to be more active
during break and lunch times than the girls. The pupils said that they feel that
time spent on PE declines as they get older due to other pressures and
studies.
4.71
Lansbury Bridge School and Sports College
4.72
Lansbury Bridge School provides an educational setting for early years,
primary, secondary and college aged school children (3 – 19 years) with a
variety of complex learning needs. The school in its current format opened in
2005, following the closures of the Hurst and Hamlet schools, to
accommodate the need of local children with additional needs.
4.73
The school has a variety of physical activity related facilities to accommodate
the additional support to help pupils have a fulfilling physical education
experience. Facilities include a pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a large sports
hall. There is also a multi-sensory soft play area. The school also has outdoor
facilities, including a large all weather court area for sports.
4.74
The task group observed a physical education lesson with the focus on
tennis. The lesson was being provided for five children with a teacher and
teaching assistant providing the lesson. To meet the needs of their pupils a
number of resources were available. Namely a visual aid in the form of video
presentations to help analyse technique with stages of a movement being
provided as targets for the children. The children where then able to practice
within the sports hall and refer back to the video when progressing.
4.75
The physical education takes a broad approach covering aspects of fitness,
coordination and skills giving ample time to each component. PE staff
explained the nature of the small groups is to be able to cater to pupils on an
individual basis and offer flexibility in approaches to physical education
allowing for a fulfilling experience.
4.76
The school also acts as a community hub allowing access of its facilities to
other schools who may have pupils with additional needs or just looking to
access the facilities on offer. It is also possible for community groups or
organisations to hire the use of facilities.
4.77
After school activity clubs are also available such as the after school family
cycling club which provides a safe space on site for families to enjoy cycling
together. Adapted cycles are available.
4.78
Once a month the school also holds a community event which aims to
encourage local elderly residents to visit the school with the opportunity to
take part in activities such as Chairobics, Boccia and cycling.
4.79
Swimming Lessons
4.80
The task group members were concerned about levels of swimming in the
borough so we investigated local figures. The National Curriculum states that
all schools must provide swimming instruction either in key stage 1 or key
stage 2. In particular, pupils should be taught to swim competently,
confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres.
19
4.81
For this target the Northwest average is 57% and our current performance is
69%. Not all St.Helens schools use our pools, some travel to our of borough
pools due to pool size and availability. However, of the 1960 year 6 pupils
enrolled at our schools, 1620 or 83% have received lessons within the
boroughs pools.
4.82
As part of the Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey 2014 pupils were asked
about swimming. Around eight in ten pupils reported they could swim at least
one length (approx. 25m), with an increase in each age group from 79% in
Year 6 to 85% in Year 10. Less than 10% of all pupils can’t swim at all.
4.83
Saints Community Development Foundation with St Helens RFC
4.84
The task group met with Gordon Pennington from Saints Community
Development Foundation (SCDF). Previously Saints provided multi skilled
coaching in our schools, but from September 2014 Saints have been working
towards providing a series of free coaching sessions to each of our primary
and secondary schools. Although the main focus will be on rugby league, but
also cheerleading in some schools.
4.85
Saints Foundation (SCDF) will be offering a free introductory session for
teachers and Teaching Assistants (TA) - the first is likely to be in June 2015.
The next stage is an offer to Teachers/TAs to gain an accredited qualification
known as CAYPABLE. The first courses are likely to be in September 2015.
4.86
There is a cost of £25 for this qualification and workshop and becoming
CAYPABLE.
4.87
Who should attend?
4.88
This three-hour workshop is aimed at teachers / staff working in schools and
the children’s game team. This approach focuses on giving teachers / staff
the appropriate activities to provide their pupils with movement development
skills that underpin both core skills of rugby league and sport in general.
Staff who attend will receive a resource pack to enable them to deliver this
concept back in their own environment.
4.89
Hopefully if pupils are engaging, local clubs will be able to work with the
schools if requested, potentially at a cost, to ensure that the level of coaching
sessions and opportunities for the pupils is maintained. Of course, schools
do not have to ‘buy in’ extra sessions and it is hoped that after the staff attend
CAYPABLE coaching sessions that staff will feel confident to provide the
lessons at school themselves.
4.90
The aim of schools engaging with one of the local clubs is to provide an ‘exit’
club for the pupils if they choose to join afterschool clubs, and hopefully
identify our stars of the future. The cheerleading sessions are also very
successful with Saints Angels being ranked 6th in Europe. 250 young people
attend training sessions over five nights each week, which is aimed at all
young people and engages with some pupils that would otherwise not feel
comfortable joining in other sports.
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5.0 Conclusions
5.1
Following our site visits to several local schools, talking to staff, pupils and
Council Officers, the task group was pleased to establish that our schools are
providing a great PA offer to our pupils. There is a wide range of sports and
activities that pupils can choose from, during school time and after school
hours. Schools have dedicated staff to ensure the best is made of the time
and resources available, although we acknowledge that schools have
increasing pressures from other areas and some minor improvements could
be made.
5.2
The 2014 Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey records some valuable data
from our schools. With the survey showing that three-quarters of primary
school pupils and six out of ten secondary school pupils doing less than two
hours of physical activities in school lessons per week, schools need to
review their physical activity provision to ensure that this need is met
wherever and whenever possible.
5.3
The report also states that the survey showed that over one third of year 6
pupils were classified as overweight or very overweight with low levels of
physical activity being one of the main causes. These figures alone should
be enough to prompt our schools to ensure pupils are undertaking adequate
physical exercise during school time and be encouraging pupils out of school.
5.4
We can all agree that fit, healthy young people will achieve much more at
school, both physically and academically and should be encouraged to join in
physical activity whenever possible.
5.5
From our review of St.Helens primary / special schools websites it was
apparent that although some have published very comprehensive information
with regards to the Primary Sports Premium, others have only issued very
basic information and 29% of primary schools and two thirds of special
schools have not made any information available at all. The task group were
informed that the Council’s Sports Development Team have issued schools
with a proforma to assist with the publishing of the required information,
although it was noted during the review that few schools utilise it.
5.6
Although the majority of Headteachers and Chairs of Governing Bodies are
aware of the amount of Primary Sports Premium received and its planned
21
uses, they should ensure they are able to fully demonstrate their
understanding and compliance during Ofsted inspections.
5.7
It is imperative that schools understand the importance of the Primary Sports
Premium Grant and the conditions attached to the grant, which include,
issuing a statement of the planned use of the grant. Schools should utilise
this funding to its full extent and in a way that will benefit the pupils the
greatest.
5.8
The Sainsburys Schools Games Mark is an excellent award for schools to
obtain. Although just 27% of St.Helens schools hold this award at various
levels, the majority of our schools (96%) do take part in the events organised
by the Council’s Sports Development Officer (School Games) and Bleak Hills
School Games Organiser with regards to Sainsburys Schools Games, and it
was encouraging to learn that schools are embracing this.
5.9
It would be inspirational for schools to work towards and achieve one of these
awards for their school and would further highlight physical activity within the
school environment.
5.10
The Change 4 Life scheme is an excellent opportunity for schools to work in
partnership with the Council and Public Health. From our site visits it was
evident that the children involved with the scheme really enjoyed being part of
it and being given the opportunity to be ‘ambassadors’ was enabling them to
develop skills for their futures.
5.11
It would be an excellent achievement if we could have all our schools taking
the opportunity to be involved with Change 4 Life scheme and working in
partnership with the Council.
5.12
The results of the school physical activity survey show that the majority of
pupils are receiving adequate physical activity lessons during school hours,
however some schools are much more engaged with this than others. This
was also demonstrated when we visited a selection of schools and spoke to
the pupils themselves. A wide range of activities are on offer and schools
offer a good standard of physical activity to our pupils.
5.13
Secondary schools are keen to engage with KS4 pupils and offer a range of
activities to encourage pupils to join in during curriculum lessons such as
dance and Zumba. Although some secondary school pupils stated that in
year 10 and 11 other curriculum options took priority over from PE lessons.
5.14
Schools also stated that the key challenges for providing more physical
activity in core hours was a busy curriculum timetable and access to the
facilities. We acknowledge that other pressures are being put on schools to
deliver core curriculum subjects and to gain good exam results, but by
reducing physical exercise lessons this puts the health and fitness of the
pupils at risk.
5.15
During the task groups site visits to schools we spoke to both staff and
children about their schools PE provision. Staff were open with us and pupils
all said they enjoyed what was on offer for physical education and looked
forward to PE lessons.
22
5.16
Schools in the more disadvantaged areas of the borough stated that they
provide out of school clubs and activities free of charge to encourage pupils to
attend. However, schools in more affluent areas charged for the majority of
their after school clubs, although these still had healthy attendance.
5.17
Pupils in some secondary schools told the task group that they were not
always asked what activities they would like to take part in. But we did find
that in the majority of primary and secondary schools pupils said that they
were asked what new activities then could provide through the School Council
and in school assemblies.
5.18
Saints Community Development Foundation with St Helens RFC offers a
unique provision for our schools to learn coaching skills that they can use
throughout the whole school. It was stated that the engagement so far has
been slow from local schools. The task group feels that every school could
benefit by accessing more of the CPD opportunities which are available not
only through St Helens RFC but also through the wide menu available within
the ‘Four Boroughs’ programme which is shared at the start of the academic
year with all schools. This would not only support the development of staff but
would also ensure that pupils are given a High Quality PE and school sport
experience.
Appendix 1
Scrutiny Survey
Summary
23
6.0 Recommendations
1.
A copy of this report be sent to all schools and Chairs of Governing Bodies for
consideration.
2.
Guidance should be communicated to all relevant schools in St.Helens to
ensure that Schools understand that comprehensive information with regards
to Primary Sports Premium Grant amounts and its uses are to be made public
and updated on an annual basis to comply with grant conditions.
3.
School Governing Bodies should encourage their schools to work towards the
Sainsburys Schools Games Mark as an inspirational achievement.
4.
Schools should give some consideration to providing some after school
physical activity provision that is free to pupils of all levels and ages, if they do
not already do so, to ensure that sport is made available to everyone.
5.
Public Health should consider engaging again with the schools not yet
involved with the Change 4 Life scheme to ensure all our schools benefit from
the benefits of the scheme.
6.
Consideration should be given by schools to hearing the ‘pupils voice’ when
deciding new physical activities on their timetables / after school clubs.
7.
Schools and Governing Bodies should consider being proactive in identifying
and encouraging those less active to engage and participate in extracurricular
activities.
8.
Schools / Governing Bodies should be encouraged to engage with the Saints
Programme to benefit from coaching training and consider signing up for at
least one member of staff to attend the CAYPABLE courses 2015 - 2016.
24
Physical Activity and Extra - Curricular Activities in Schools
Rec
No
1
Recommendation
Responsible Officer
Agreed Action and Date of Implementation
A copy of this report be sent to all schools
and Chairs of Governing Bodies for
consideration.
2
Guidance should be communicated to all
relevant schools in St.Helens to ensure that
Schools understand that comprehensive
information with regards to Primary Sports
Premium Grant amounts and its uses are to
be made public and updated on an annual
basis to comply with grant conditions.
3
School Governing Bodies should encourage
their schools to work towards the Sainsburys
Schools Games Mark as an inspirational
achievement.
4
Schools should give some consideration to
providing some after school physical activity
provision that is free to pupils of all levels and
ages, if they do not already do so, to ensure
that sport is made available to everyone.
5
Public Health should consider engaging
again with the schools not yet involved with
the Change 4 Life scheme to ensure all our
schools benefit from the benefits of the
scheme.
25
Physical Activity and Extra - Curricular Activities in Schools
6
Consideration should be given by schools to
hearing the ‘pupils voice’ when deciding new
physical activities on their timetables / after
school clubs.
7
Schools and Governing Bodies should
consider bein proactive in identifying and
encouraging those less active to engage and
participate in extracurricular activities.
8
Schools / Governing Bodies should be
encouraged to engage with the Saints
Programme to benefit from coaching training
and consider signing up for at least one
member of staff to attend the CAYPABLE
courses 2015 - 2016.
26