Inclusive PE and Sports: Prioritising Equal Opportunities

The UK government has urged schools to increase efforts in improving opportunities for disabled young people in PE and sports. School leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that sports are accessible to everyone

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on The Conversation

In an open letter, the British Paralympic Association has called on the government to prioritise PE in the curriculum, enhance teacher training for inclusive PE, and boost the number of disabled individuals entering the teaching profession.

Ensuring Appropriate Adjustments

For many children, their experience of PE may involve standing on the sidelines or being separated from their peers during activities. Inappropriate adaptations, such as giving a head start in a race, can emphasise their differences and lead to feelings of social exclusion.

These experiences highlight shortcomings in both initial teacher education and ongoing professional development. Some PE teachers have reported receiving little to no subject-specific training on disability and inclusion.

Making Changes

The changes proposed by Paralympics GB’s Equal Play campaign would be an important first step. Teachers need support through targeted training, and the government must ensure that PE is given appropriate recognition in its curriculum review, alongside efforts to recruit more teachers with disabilities. Schools also need to assess the opportunities they currently provide for disabled students to participate in PE, extra-curricular, and community sports. In addition, school business leaders should collaborate closely with sports leaders within the school to identify areas for improvement. This coordinated effort will help create a more inclusive environment where all students, regardless of ability, can engage fully in physical activity.

Inclusion 2024

In its appeal to schools to prioritise inclusive PE, the government highlighted its Inclusion 2024 programme, now in its fourth year. This funded initiative provides a valuable framework for improving inclusive PE and school sports. It leverages the expertise of Lead Inclusion Schools—institutions that specialise in offering disabled young people opportunities to participate, compete, and take on leadership roles through PE, physical activity and school sports.

School business leaders have a key role in supporting the successful implementation of inclusive PE initiatives. By working alongside sports leaders, they can help allocate resources, secure funding and ensure that appropriate infrastructure and staff development opportunities are in place.