Report highlights importance of disabled children's inclusion in PE
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has contributed to the latest report by The Smith Institute and led by Clive Efford MP on the future of school and community sport. This publication brings together the views of a highly respected group of expert people in sport and physical activity. EFDS's report covers the importance of disabled children's inclusion in PE and wider school sport.
After the successful London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, there was a huge surge of interest in sport, including from young people. As Clive Efford MP states in the report:
"The Games were of course not just about winning, but a national celebration of sporting excellence and a recognition of the fun, excitement and well-being that sport in all its forms can offer."
The experts note the success of the Games was built on sustained commitment and investment in schools sport and school sport partnerships. He continues:
"Today, the challenge facing government is how best to take forward the wider legacy. How to create a consensus for school and community sport that delivers continued, sustained benefits for future generations; how can we ensure that the resources are in place and that they match the vision; and what more can be done to better integrate sport in schools with sport in the community?"
The report sets out the vital importance of teaching sport in our schools and the effects of dismantling the network of school sport partnerships. As the majority of disabled children are in mainstream schools, EFDS's message was clear that disabled children should be included in all elements of school education.
According to the 2011 School Census data, there are around 8.1 million pupils in all schools in England, and with approximately 6% of the child population being disabled (Papworth Trust) this equates to just under half a million young disabled people within our schools. Furthermore, 2.8% (224,210) of pupils across all schools in England had statements of special educational needs (SEN) – a percentage that has remained unchanged in recent years – while some 17.8% (1,449,685 pupils) had SEN but were without SEN statements. More than 80% of these young people will be attending mainstream schools. These statistics alone reflect the need for any future school sport strategies to be both inclusive in nature and targeted in provision.
EFDS's recent lifestyle research report revealed that over half of disabled people did not enjoy school sport. Barry Horne, Chief Executive of EFDS, comments within the Smith Institute report:
Four out of five disabled people are not active in sport – most say “sport is not for me". When we ask why, many will share that it never really was. With an increasing majority of disabled children taught in mainstream schools (as opposed to special schools) any lasting legacy of increased sporting participation must be built on the solid foundations of an enjoyable and inspirational school sport experience.
To build on the momentum for disabled people after London 2012, EFDS, the other Home Country disability sport organisations and Sainsbury’s, with support of Paralympics GB and the Youth Sport Trust, have joined forces to develop Active Kids for All Inclusive PE training, based on the UK Disability Inclusion Training (UK DIT).
Sainsbury’s has committed to investing £1million over four years to support this initiative. It involves both theory and practical to support a clearer understanding of the needs of all pupils. Primarily designed to support PE teachers in mainstream schools to include young disabled people within PE curriculum. However, the principles used can be applied to a number of settings and can be of benefit to all young people. Plus, it enables teachers and other staff to use teaching strategies to ensure all pupils are engaged and make good progress, both of which are essential in outstanding teaching.
In England, the course will take approximately six hours to complete and is made up of both online and face-to-face elements. Attendees are supported to share material and have access to an online portal to support your continued professional development.
